Please help reduce my stressing...test results may indicate cancer

Posted by jeremy17 @jeremy17, May 30, 2020

Hello.  40 year old male.  I was just given a report by a radiologist stating that I have extensive hypointense marrow replacement in about half of my tibia, with a heterogeneous signal.  I also have a soft tissue mass of 4cm x 2cm x 1cm abutting the same upper tibia.  He states these findings are concerning for a malignancy, such as lymphoma, or a bacterial infection. 

I have an appointment with an orthopedic oncologist in four days, but I'm seriously stressing and trying to decipher as much of the report as possible in the meantime.  What I really want to know is if there are other outcomes besides cancer, especially since I found an article online stating that bone marrow lesions discovered by MRI's are quite common?

Also, the soft tissue mass can be felt right underneath my kneecap on the outside of my leg, and is painful to the touch.  My understanding is most cancerous tumors are not painful.

Thanks.

Jeremy

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@jeremy17 - Welcome back! Good news to hear that treatment so far brought you in remission. Congratulations and hope you will stay in remission.

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@jeremy17

Hello everybody, and Happy New Year! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in such a long time, but it took a while for me to finally make a treatment decision and get the actual treatment. Thank you so much for all of the kind words from the various mentors and people that have a genuine interest in my disease. I appreciated the uplifting comments during this very difficult time in my life.

My doctor recommended Bendustamine (chemo) and Rituxan (immunotherapy), followed by radiation as a first-line treatment for my low-grade lymphoma of the tibia bone. Even though my doctor doubted it, he couldn't rule out the liver lesion or a tiny inguinal nodule being lymphoma, so I believe that's the main reason why he recommended that route. After careful consideration, I ended up forgoing the chemo, and chose to begin with radiation (15 sessions), followed by four Rituxan infusions. The main reason for this choice was because I was concerned about the toxicity and possible long-term side effects of chemo, despite Bendastamine not known to be as harsh as some of the other chemos. I just felt like trying the radiation and Rituxan first, and if my lymphoma didn't respond, then electing for the chemo.

I found out a little over a month ago that my lymphoma significantly responded to the treatment! In fact, my doctor says I'm currently in remission! I was told that my type of lymphoma, B-cell follicular lymphoma, is not curable, and is known to follow a remission and relapsing cycle for many years. However, I was told also that if it's only in one area of my body (which the scans currently show), then it is possible for it to be cured! I believe that anything is possible with God!

I'm very grateful to God for this wonderful news! I truly believe that the many prayers that were prayed helped make a difference! Thank you, again!

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So thankful with you that you are doing better!

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@jeremy17

Hello everybody, and Happy New Year! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in such a long time, but it took a while for me to finally make a treatment decision and get the actual treatment. Thank you so much for all of the kind words from the various mentors and people that have a genuine interest in my disease. I appreciated the uplifting comments during this very difficult time in my life.

My doctor recommended Bendustamine (chemo) and Rituxan (immunotherapy), followed by radiation as a first-line treatment for my low-grade lymphoma of the tibia bone. Even though my doctor doubted it, he couldn't rule out the liver lesion or a tiny inguinal nodule being lymphoma, so I believe that's the main reason why he recommended that route. After careful consideration, I ended up forgoing the chemo, and chose to begin with radiation (15 sessions), followed by four Rituxan infusions. The main reason for this choice was because I was concerned about the toxicity and possible long-term side effects of chemo, despite Bendastamine not known to be as harsh as some of the other chemos. I just felt like trying the radiation and Rituxan first, and if my lymphoma didn't respond, then electing for the chemo.

I found out a little over a month ago that my lymphoma significantly responded to the treatment! In fact, my doctor says I'm currently in remission! I was told that my type of lymphoma, B-cell follicular lymphoma, is not curable, and is known to follow a remission and relapsing cycle for many years. However, I was told also that if it's only in one area of my body (which the scans currently show), then it is possible for it to be cured! I believe that anything is possible with God!

I'm very grateful to God for this wonderful news! I truly believe that the many prayers that were prayed helped make a difference! Thank you, again!

Jump to this post

@jeremy17. Jeremy, yours was the first post I read this morning and what a day brightener! Your positive news and attitude brought an instant smile. Knowledge is power! You did the research and then made an educated decision. Did it help you feel empowered to go take on this enemy? That’s how I felt with all my meds. Each element of treatment was another layer in the armor of defense! Congratulations on reaching remission! That word is near and dear to any of us who have walked your path! Continued prayers for you, Jeremy, wonderful news! Lori.

REPLY
@jeremy17

Hello everybody, and Happy New Year! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in such a long time, but it took a while for me to finally make a treatment decision and get the actual treatment. Thank you so much for all of the kind words from the various mentors and people that have a genuine interest in my disease. I appreciated the uplifting comments during this very difficult time in my life.

My doctor recommended Bendustamine (chemo) and Rituxan (immunotherapy), followed by radiation as a first-line treatment for my low-grade lymphoma of the tibia bone. Even though my doctor doubted it, he couldn't rule out the liver lesion or a tiny inguinal nodule being lymphoma, so I believe that's the main reason why he recommended that route. After careful consideration, I ended up forgoing the chemo, and chose to begin with radiation (15 sessions), followed by four Rituxan infusions. The main reason for this choice was because I was concerned about the toxicity and possible long-term side effects of chemo, despite Bendastamine not known to be as harsh as some of the other chemos. I just felt like trying the radiation and Rituxan first, and if my lymphoma didn't respond, then electing for the chemo.

I found out a little over a month ago that my lymphoma significantly responded to the treatment! In fact, my doctor says I'm currently in remission! I was told that my type of lymphoma, B-cell follicular lymphoma, is not curable, and is known to follow a remission and relapsing cycle for many years. However, I was told also that if it's only in one area of my body (which the scans currently show), then it is possible for it to be cured! I believe that anything is possible with God!

I'm very grateful to God for this wonderful news! I truly believe that the many prayers that were prayed helped make a difference! Thank you, again!

Jump to this post

@jeremy17 Welcome back Jeremy. So happy that you have seen such good results from your investment in education and information about your cancer, and then having arrived at this point for celebration. You can truly say, “I’ve got this!” Reporting back to all of us here allows us to celebrate with you, and encourages others who are making their way in this world. Personally, I am encouraged about things possible for those of us with blood cancers. And to encourage you further, modern medicine is keeping me in remission. As promised, we are all still here for you. Don’t ever hesitate to come back and check in with us. Peace, Nancy

REPLY
@jeremy17

Hello everybody, and Happy New Year! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in such a long time, but it took a while for me to finally make a treatment decision and get the actual treatment. Thank you so much for all of the kind words from the various mentors and people that have a genuine interest in my disease. I appreciated the uplifting comments during this very difficult time in my life.

My doctor recommended Bendustamine (chemo) and Rituxan (immunotherapy), followed by radiation as a first-line treatment for my low-grade lymphoma of the tibia bone. Even though my doctor doubted it, he couldn't rule out the liver lesion or a tiny inguinal nodule being lymphoma, so I believe that's the main reason why he recommended that route. After careful consideration, I ended up forgoing the chemo, and chose to begin with radiation (15 sessions), followed by four Rituxan infusions. The main reason for this choice was because I was concerned about the toxicity and possible long-term side effects of chemo, despite Bendastamine not known to be as harsh as some of the other chemos. I just felt like trying the radiation and Rituxan first, and if my lymphoma didn't respond, then electing for the chemo.

I found out a little over a month ago that my lymphoma significantly responded to the treatment! In fact, my doctor says I'm currently in remission! I was told that my type of lymphoma, B-cell follicular lymphoma, is not curable, and is known to follow a remission and relapsing cycle for many years. However, I was told also that if it's only in one area of my body (which the scans currently show), then it is possible for it to be cured! I believe that anything is possible with God!

I'm very grateful to God for this wonderful news! I truly believe that the many prayers that were prayed helped make a difference! Thank you, again!

Jump to this post

Hello again @jeremy17

I'm so glad to get your update! You've really done your research and came up with a plan that worked for you. Congratulations on this good report.

How frequently will you be following up with your oncologist?

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@loribmt

@jeremy17. Jeremy, yours was the first post I read this morning and what a day brightener! Your positive news and attitude brought an instant smile. Knowledge is power! You did the research and then made an educated decision. Did it help you feel empowered to go take on this enemy? That’s how I felt with all my meds. Each element of treatment was another layer in the armor of defense! Congratulations on reaching remission! That word is near and dear to any of us who have walked your path! Continued prayers for you, Jeremy, wonderful news! Lori.

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Thank you! Yes, I actually did feel empowered. I would say my faith definitely helped in this area!

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@hopeful33250

Hello again @jeremy17

I'm so glad to get your update! You've really done your research and came up with a plan that worked for you. Congratulations on this good report.

How frequently will you be following up with your oncologist?

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Thank you! I'll be going back for a blood check every three months and a CAT scan every six months, for the next two years.

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