Hi Ibrahim, this is a question I struggled with as well. I hope you don’t mind a longer post:). Diagnosed end of 2023 due to a routine check up by coincidence. Absolutely normal blood tests, no symptoms I associated with Lymphoma (at that time). Lived a normal life, worked (very physical work) and thought I was just doing fine. Total surprise. I was treated for chronic hives for three years prior to diagnosis with injections to control symptoms and they worked in my opinion. Knowing that hives could be a side effect of Lymphoma, blood tests were done at that time and ruled out.
I was put on watch and wait and 2. scan after 4 months, showed stable. Blood tests still good, minimal elevation. However, my oncologist gave me the option to stay on close watch and wait or start Bendamustine/Rituxamib treatment every 4 weeks/ 6 cycles. My oncologists suspected that my hives may be related to related to lymphoma. And by getting ahead of it with this more gentle treatment, I could avoid frequent scans (avoid health issues from it) and hopefully achieve a longer term remission. They ( oncologists specializing in treatment and research for this specific lymphoma) think that there will be so many new better treatment options developed which may benefit me in the future. They said you may even feel better after the treatment? Couldn’t see it. Long, hard, painful decision to do it. Feeling good with good blood results and opting for treatment? Hard decision. Why I decided to do it: This treatment is very well tolerated and has a high remission possibility. May not be available later if scans show progression.
I had my second treatment, had a bit of a side effect with a rash, but it is (up to now:)) quite tolerable. And my oncologist was right. Funny, but I am feeling better than before. More energy ( after treatment week) , side effects from hives gone and other issues I didn’t even question and just thought were normal in my life, gone. My oncologists didn’t push me in one direction or the other. Was it the right decision? I think for me it was the best option personally. But everyone has to choose their own way how to deal with those options. And there is no clear right or wrong answer. There is uncertainty, fear and hope in whatever we decide. But I am grateful that there are options. I wish you the best on your journey and if you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to share ( my very limited:)) experiences with you.