Primary Mediastinal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma + R-EPOCH

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I have a family member who was diagnosed with Primary Mediastinal Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. He completed his first two treatments of R-EPOCH, and had a PET scan right before the 3rd treatment. The mass has shrunk significantly, but it was not completely dead, as we had hoped. There was still a small amount of "glow" (the number they gave us was "4") on the PET scan. I am wondering if anyone else had this same result and what the suggested treatment was after given these results.

Thank you for your expertise!
P

Comments

  • jimwins
    jimwins Member Posts: 2,107
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    Welcome
    Welcome to the site. You'll find wonderfully supportive folks here.

    I finished R-EPOCH treatment in Oct 2011 for Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma.
    I was told the normal treatment was 6 cycles, possibly 8 if needed.
    I had a pet scan after cycle 4 and it showed no evidence of activity
    at that time. We did complete the final two cycles and so far so good.
    I go back for my next checkup and CT scan early May 2012.

    My primary was in the small intestine and messentery area - diagnosed
    stage 2. One thing to note is my treatment was interrupted after
    the first cycle to do surgery (removed part of small intestine) so the
    second cycle started later than originally planned.

    This type of lymphoma is very treatable and actually considered curable.
    Know there is hope.

    Hugs and positive thoughts,

    Jim
    DX: DLBL 4/2011, Chemo completed 10/2011, currently in remission. :)
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  • vinny59
    vinny59 Member Posts: 1,036 Member
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    hi
    Welcome P, I had to go through 8 treatments, and I still have a slight activity of 2.5, it's great news that your family member is responding to treatment.