The Power of Mindset and Family: Jen’s Stage 4B Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) Story
Jen was just 27 when she received the life-altering diagnosis of stage 4B DLBCL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) back in 2020. Her story began with what seemed like a stubborn, lingering cough that dragged on for four months. She brushed it off as the flu, but things escalated — coughing up blood, breathlessness, night sweats, and persistent abdominal pain. Swelling in her upper body, an unexplained lump near her collarbone, relentless itching, and sudden weight loss painted a worrying picture, but she remained unaware of the seriousness.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Her family grew increasingly concerned, especially her brother, who noticed some of her symptoms even before Jen herself did. Despite these red flags, the possibility of cancer never crossed their minds. It wasn’t until Jen struggled to walk a few steps without gasping for air that her family insisted that she see a respiratory doctor. Initial suspicions pointed to tuberculosis, but after hospitalization, scans revealed large tumors near her ovaries, sparking fears of ovarian cancer. A biopsy confirmed it was not ovarian cancer, but diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
The emotional toll of her stage 4B DLBCL diagnosis was immense. Jen and her brother found solace in each other’s support, with heartfelt promises to face everything together. Despite the fear and shock, Jen’s courage shone through. She underwent six rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, lumbar punctures, and an autologous stem cell transplant. The physical challenges and side effects were daunting — ulcers, hair loss, extreme fatigue, and the isolation required during her weakened immune state. Yet, her family’s constant presence became her anchor.
Jen’s mindset played a pivotal role. She refused to see herself as a cancer patient, treating her condition like any other health hiccup. She found a new sense of purpose, diving into spiritual exploration — learning tarot, energy healing, and yoga. Her experience with stage 4B DLBCL wasn’t just a chapter in her life; it transformed her perspective, teaching her to cherish experiences, emotions, and connections over material worries.
Watch Jen’s video and learn more about:
- How her lingering cough turned out to be something far more serious.
- Why Jen’s family secretly tracked her hair loss before she noticed.
- The simple mindset shift that helped Jen through stage 4B DLBCL treatment.
- The emotional moment when Jen realized she couldn’t walk to her own kitchen.
- How being diagnosed with DLBCL led Jen to an unexpected spiritual awakening.
- Name:
- Jen N.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 27
- Diagnosis:
- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
- Staging:
- Stage 4B
- Symptoms:
- Coughing up blood-tinged phlegm
- Whole-body itching
- Night sweats
- Lump near her collarbone
- Upper body swelling and abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath, incl. difficulty walking short distances
- Inability to lie flat while sleeping
- Rapid weight loss
- Treatments:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Lumbar puncture
- Autologous stem cell transplant
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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Jen N., Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Stage 4B
Symptoms: Blood-tinged phlegm, whole-body itching, shortness of breath, lump near collarbone, night sweats, upper body swelling, rapid weight loss
Treatments: Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, lumbar puncture, autologous stem cell transplant
Jim Z., Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)
Symptoms: Sudden and severe head and neck swelling, purplish facial discoloration, bulging neck veins
Treatments: Surgery (resection and reconstruction of the superior vena cava), chemotherapy
Nolan W., T-Cell/Histiocyte-Rich Large B-Cell Lymphoma (T/HRBCL), Stage 4
Symptoms: Debilitating fatigue, flu-like symptoms without a fever, swollen lymph node under the left arm
Treatments: Chemotherapy (R-EPOCH & RICE), bone marrow transplant
Mike E., Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), Stage 4
Symptom: Persistent, significant back pain
Treatments: Surgery, chemotherapy