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Real members of MyLymphomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyLymphomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Georgetown, IN

I was diagnosed 1 year ago with follicular lymphoma. I had an enlarged lymph node in my groin area that was removed. It was grade 3A and stage 3. I did not have any treatments after the surgery. I was on the watch and wait road. It is normal, or possible, to have symptoms for a while, then have them just go away, then have another symptom for a while, then go away? Same question with the active sites that show up on a pet scan. Some seem to not be as reactive as they were, while others… read more

September 7
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MyLymphomaTeam

What a great question, and it's completely understandable to feel puzzled by the unpredictable nature of follicular lymphoma. The short answer is — yes, this kind of fluctuation is actually known to happen with follicular lymphoma.

Follicular lymphoma is considered a slow-growing cancer, and one of its unusual Show Full Answer

What a great question, and it's completely understandable to feel puzzled by the unpredictable nature of follicular lymphoma. The short answer is — yes, this kind of fluctuation is actually known to happen with follicular lymphoma.

Follicular lymphoma is considered a slow-growing cancer, and one of its unusual characteristics is that lymph nodes and symptoms can sometimes shrink or ease up on their own, even without treatment. Doctors have observed this pattern, where lymph nodes may grow, stabilize, or even regress over time. As for PET scan activity going up and down across different sites, this also aligns with the unpredictable nature of follicular lymphoma. Some areas may become less active while others flare up — this is part of why watch and wait involves regular monitoring.

Key things to watch for that may signal it's time to start treatment include:

- B symptoms — fever without infection, drenching night sweats, or significant unintentional weight loss
- Rapidly enlarging lymph nodes
- Changes in blood test results
- Signs the lymphoma is spreading to new areas That said, any new or changing symptoms should always be reported to the care team promptly. They can interpret whether what's happening is part of the natural fluctuation of follicular lymphoma or a sign that treatment needs to begin. Keeping a symptom journal can be really helpful for tracking these changes over time.

September 7
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

MarySowers,
Hi and welcome to the site. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming. I have/had DLBCL and had treatments of rchop chemo. I’ve been in remission for 5 1/2yrs. I hope you have a relaxing day. Kelly

September 8

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