I have had WM is also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma for 12 years. I have had it reoccur three times and then head back into remission.
I thank the good Lord each day I wake up - Dave
September 2
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It forms in white blood cells called B cells and tends to develop in the bone marrow. Because it grows slowly, many people live for years or even decades with WM.
WM is also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and while it Show Full Answer
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare, slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It forms in white blood cells called B cells and tends to develop in the bone marrow. Because it grows slowly, many people live for years or even decades with WM.
WM is also known as lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and while it generally can't be cured, it is very treatable. The five-year survival rate is around 78%, meaning nearly 4 out of 5 people are still living five years after diagnosis — and that number continues to improve as treatments advance. Regarding relapse after DRC (Dexamethasone, Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide) treatment, WM is known to be a relapsing-remitting condition for many people. Because it's slow-growing, relapses can happen but often take time to develop.
Factors that can influence relapse risk include:
- Age — older patients may have a harder time tolerating retreatment
- Performance status — how well daily activities are managed
- IgM levels — high levels can signal more active disease
- Hemoglobin and platelet counts — these reflect bone marrow health
It's really important to discuss personal relapse risk with an oncologist, as individual factors play a big role in predicting outcomes.
August 20
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