PaulPrakash,
Hi! I had DLBCL stage IV and had 6 treatments of rchop chemo. I did not have radiation therapy and I did not have any other post treatment. I’ve been in remission for 5 1/2yrs. I hope you are doing well. Kelly
August 14
That's a great question, and it's one many MyLymphomaTeam members have navigated too. Not everyone with DLBCL receives post-chemo radiation — it really depends on individual factors like tumor size, stage, and how well chemotherapy worked.
Radiation after chemo is typically considered when:
- Tumors were particularly Show Full Answer
That's a great question, and it's one many MyLymphomaTeam members have navigated too. Not everyone with DLBCL receives post-chemo radiation — it really depends on individual factors like tumor size, stage, and how well chemotherapy worked.
Radiation after chemo is typically considered when:
- Tumors were particularly large (bulky disease over 7.5–10 cm)
- There's a small amount of remaining disease in specific areas like the bones
- Early-stage lymphoma where radiation may help reduce the chance of the cancer returning For those who skip post-chemo radiation, follow-up monitoring is still very important. A typical follow-up schedule after treatment includes:
- Frequent visits (every couple of months) during the first two years, as this is when relapse is most likely
- Once or twice yearly visits after the two-year mark
- Lab tests like a complete blood count (CBC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, generally recommended for the first five years
- PET or CT scans are commonly used during the first two years to check for any signs of return
Regarding the Natera test (a blood-based cancer detection test), it's worth asking your oncologist directly whether it's available and appropriate for your specific situation, as its use can vary by treatment center. The most important thing is to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and flag any new or unusual symptoms to your care team right away — early detection of any changes makes a real difference.
August 14
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