My Lymphoma
CAR-T Journey
A day-by-day firsthand account of CAR-T therapy for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma at Mayo Clinic — written to help patients and caregivers know what to expect.
After Stage 2 DLBCL, relapse after chemotherapy, and referral to Mayo Clinic — this is the journal I wish had existed before I started CAR-T therapy.
Initial Diagnosis
I was an otherwise healthy 49-year-old when I began experiencing digestive issues in April 2022. After visiting my primary care physician, a CT scan identified a softball-size mass in my abdomen. Additional biopsies revealed Stage 2 Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) located within a lymph node near my small intestine.
A PET scan indicated the Lymphoma had not spread and was isolated to my abdomen. Within a week I had an infusion port surgically inserted and was preparing for R-CHOP chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Like most people with DLBCL, I was prescribed 6 cycles of R-CHOP chemotherapy. My side effects were minimal — mostly nausea and digestive issues. After 3 cycles, a PET scan indicated my Lymphoma was in remission.
My oncologist recommended finishing all 6 cycles to treat any remaining cancer cells. I adjusted my diet and nausea medications to manage the side effects over each cycle.
Relapse & CAR-T Referral
Six weeks after my last chemotherapy infusion, a follow-up PET scan showed the cancer had returned in the same area. Concerned with the quick return, my oncologist referred me to Mayo Clinic for more advanced treatment options.
Mayo Clinic doctors recommended CAR-T therapy. Due to the time needed for T-cell preparation, they recommended 20 sessions of radiation “bridge” therapy to stop the cancer’s progression in the meantime.
Read the Full Pre-CAR-T Story →What Would You Like to Read?
Navigate the different parts of my CAR-T therapy experience
Pre CAR-T Process
Everything before treatment began — referrals, testing, T-cell collection, and bridge therapy.
Read more →CAR-T Daily Journal
A day-by-day account of life during CAR-T therapy — symptoms, side effects, milestones, and emotions.
Read more →Things I Wish I Knew
Practical tips and honest insights for patients and caregivers preparing for CAR-T therapy.
Read more →Medical Disclaimer: This website reflects one patient’s personal experience with CAR-T therapy and is not intended as medical advice. Every patient’s journey is different. Please consult your medical team for guidance specific to your situation.