Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): R-CHOP-14 or 21

Did you just do 3 cycles or more. I don’t need radiation either and have already finished 3 cycles, 3 weeks apart. My oncologist wants me to do one more but my tumor was completely removed so no radiation necessary. Personally I don’t see the need for more chemo.

I did 6 cycles, that seems to be the standard. I showed no cancer after 3 cycles as well.

@sbergerkinkade I’m so glad your treatment plan seems to have worked for you. In my research and experience, there is really no “standard” treatment plan for DLBCL that I’m aware of. There are many approaches I know about that indicate treatment is very individualized to the person’s specific diagnosis, desires, diseases, doctors’ recommendations and other potentially complicating factors like heart disease, age, and overall health. I invite others to comment if they have had a “standard treatment” and how it worked for them.

I was diagnosed with stage 2. NCCN “guidelines” say 3 cycles + radiation or 6 cycles. As I stated, my tumor was removed so nothing to radiate. My scan just came back clean but oncologist wants one more cycle. I’m on the fence.

@fwpoole Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you!!! Some food for thought...

Since lymphoma is a circulatory disease, removing the tumorous node and tissue does not necessarily mean that there aren’t cells that could be cancerous nearby. Sometimes they have traveled to another lymph node already but have yet to grow enough to show evidence of disease. Sometimes it travels extra-nodal to other tissue, but again hasn’t grown enough yet.

Personally, having had to battle a particularly aggressive form of this disease, I would recommend a little more treatment in the beginning, versus additional treatment later. Mostly, I would encourage you to have a doctor who you can have open and comfortable communication with about your thoughts and concerns. That will help you trust their recommendations… Which should include some options to the number one suggestion that doc makes. It’s also important to know pros and cons of each option. Again, whatever you decide will be the right choice for you!!!

Thanks @ckeys. I have opted for one more round of chemo torture which will be next week and be my LAST!

Interestingly, 20+ years ago I was subjected to a year of interferon and ribavirin self treatment for Hepatitis-C. I don’t remember that entire year being nearly as rough as the past 9 weeks of RCHOP.

@ckeys @sbergerkinkade - after 3 cycles, mouth sores have been very minimal. I keep a good oral hygiene regimen of flossing, brushing and tongue scraping followed by a Biotene rinse, which the oncology nurse recommended.

I know everyone is different but it’s working for me.

That’s awesome...and good advice...it’s starts with oral hygiene!

Hi. I am newly diagnosed Stage 3 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. I have an extensive health history, since I took the COVID Vaccine. I don't know if that is what set this whole crazy group of symptoms to start, but I am truly wondering now.
I took the Pfizer Vaccine in January. By May my Pulmonologist was testing me for all types of Autoimmune diseases. By August I was in the hospital. because my Platelets were at 5,000. That was followed up with 4 treatments of Rituxan to kill off my B-Cells. Then I developed a Pleomorphic Adenoma in the deep lobe of my Parotid Gland. In May 2022 I had a heart attack In January of 2023 I had 2 lungs biopsies for Multiple Pulmonary Nodules. The Path report came back with the above diagnosis. I am now waiting to have my Port-a-Cath put in, so I can start 6 rounds of R-CHOP. Any suggestions or information you can share with me would be wonderful. I have no idea what to expect except what my Dr has discussed with me. I have never known anyone with the type of cancer.