Follow-up testing to confirm continued remission of the prostate cancer and Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma revealed that there is also low grade follicular lymphoma in my body. There is no knowing when this third cancer arrived, it could have been before 2017, the prostate cancer diagnosis or it could have developed this year.
The September 17, 2025, CAT scan indicated the presence of two new masses and a slight enlargement of a known nodule. Discussing this with the oncologist led to scheduling a PET scan as well as going to the dermatologist for evaluation of suspect areas. In the interim, I wasn’t scared but concerned. A bit of “I been here before” and thinking I might have to have chemo again.
On October 28 the dermatologist biopsied two areas and froze the roughness on the nose as it appeared to be precancerous. The November 11 dermatology results of the “mole” on the right ankle tested negative. However, results of a “cist” on my right elbow tested “cutaneous B-cell lymphoma”. Only because of the CAT scan is why I questioned that area since I could not see any abnormality but detected it by pressing on the skin and felt a “knot” under the skin. I remained “accepting” of the increased possibility of aggressive treatment for the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL]. That was until Monday, November 17, the day before the scheduled PET scan. I went into “positive anger” mode, angry that I could be having relapse of the DLBCL…positive anger being taking excess anger energy into a positive application.
The PET scan on Tuesday, November 18 went well. I learned that the strength and activity of the isotope injected in me was chosen for accentuating the ability to “see” the suspect areas in question, including the area on the right elbow. The 18 minutes of scan involved first an overall X-ray to establish detectors parameters, followed by a CT scan with a detector which rotates around the body, and then comes the PET scan done in segments running from the feet to the head.
That same afternoon, Dr. Romano reviewed the scan results. As in the September 17 visit, he again asked if I had any symptoms to which I responded a definite “no”. He noted that my DLBCL normally is very aggressive and fast growing which did not show in my case. Showing Cynthia and myself, the scan images coupled with my lack of symptoms and good blood work results, the conclusion was: “the uptake or activity level on the PET scan is low, which would be consistent with a low grade follicular lymphoma rather than high grade diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [DLBCL]. Still, we will watch closely to make sure.”
At this time, it appears that I remain in remission for the prostate cancer and the DLBCL but we have identified that there is a third cancer, the follicular cancer. Literature review state that the follicular lymphoma is extremely stubborn to permanently eliminate but also very slow growing and rarely impacts on lifestyle. Since it doesn’t cause symptoms right away, most people have Stage III or IV disease by the time they’re diagnosed. While it is another cancer, the good news is we know about it now instead of later when it could be more advanced. As the symptoms of both the DLBCL and the follicular lymphoma are essentially the same, it should be easy for me to see if the follicular lymphoma is significantly changing. Also, to provide ongoing confirmation, there is a CT scan scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2026.
So, to date, contra dance is certainly nourishing a full life for one who was 82 on November 29, 2025.
I got the December 3, 2025, pathology report from Martha Jefferson hospital pathology report for the “cyst” removed by the dermatologist Oct. 28, 2025, which was diagnosed as follicular lymphoma.
March 23, 2026, discussed with Dr. Romano ways for early detection of the return of the cancer, be it the indolent FL or the DLBCL as they are a “family”. Detection would be energy level and/or overall health changes, feeling the neck-groin-pit areas, and blood work [LDH, comprehensive metabolic panel, CBC with differential]. In that meeting it was established that I will be looking at quarterly reviews with semi-annual scans for the next two years.
The next day realized that there is another part of me that had been denying the “curse of cancer” as an ongoing part of my life. It’s the yin and yang of life, the glorious feeling of being all you were meant to be and the possibility of losing that to illness of any nature. Although I am frequently checking one or more of the FaceBook pages about cancer, I am pretty much going along without worry and being quite positive about staying ahead of the FL cancer. That is in spite of reading some FL patient’s cancer “morphed” into DLBCL. Possibly reading about the other people’s cancer issues/problems is telling me how well off I am, could be another aspect of “positive mind medicine”. I am feeling kinda energized but at the same time realize that I need more recovery time from a night of dancing 2 1/2+ hrs and/or 1/2+ hr of sexual relations than in the past. And I am sticking to continuing my healthy lifestyle.