In 2022, I went for my usual mammogram, and they found an enlarged lymph node under my arm. You couldn’t see or feel it. After several tests at the center, I was sent to my primary, more tests. From there, I was sent to Roswell Park Cancer Center, more testing and was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This all took about a month. I was on watch and wait for about a year. In 2023, my spleen became enlarged. I chose a course of less aggressive chemo, B&R, due to my age (71 active female). I wasn’t about to give up any healthy time away for my family. I had no other symptoms until the enlarged spleen. After cycle 4, I was in remission, and a PET scan showed complete resolution of the disease. I finished the remaining cycles. No side effects throughout the treatment other than being tired the day of infusion. From there, I went to a maintenance rituximab every other month for three years, still tolerating it well. My husband and I continue to be active, bike riding, traveling, attending many family events, and living life in general. My thoughts on this chapter in my life are that I have no control over what I have been diagnosed with. I can feel sorry for myself or continue sharing my life with my husband and family. I will continue my treatment; it’s not in my hands. Oh, one more thing, mammograms are not just for diagnosing breast cancer. It can find other issues like mine as well. Keep smiling, you have a lot to be happy about!
Constance
mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
