NEED TO KNOW

• A woman was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma after initially thinking it was just the flu.

• Following chemotherapy, Debi Weiss’ cancer returned, prompting her to undergo CAR-T immunotherapy, and she is now in complete remission.

• Weiss, 72, mentioned her cancer journey has led her to prioritize family over work.

Debi Weiss, a pilates instructor, initially believed she was dealing with a typical case of the flu. But as her condition deteriorated, including difficulty breathing and walking her dog, she sought medical help. Blood tests and a biopsy revealed the startling diagnosis: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a rapidly advancing cancer impacting the lymphatic system, as described by the Mayo Clinic.

“It was a shock,” Weiss recalled about the diagnosis, describing the experience as surreal.

Shortly after, she began chemotherapy. Unfortunately, just a month after completing treatment, doctors discovered that the lymphoma had recurred, this time affecting her brain. Dr. Charles Farber, a hematologist-oncologist at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, conveyed a grim prognosis.

“I guess I’m a bit naive,” Weiss reflected. “When I’m told something will work, I really believe it.”

In January 2025, she underwent CAR-T therapy—a treatment where T-cells are extracted from the patient, genetically modified to attack specific cancer cells, and then reintroduced into the body. Dr. Mohamad Cherry, the medical director of hematology at Atlantic Health, provided insights into the procedure.

Weiss humorously recalled that a nurse drew Pac-Man illustrations on a whiteboard near her bed, symbolizing her hope that her cells would “gobble up” the cancer. “I pictured them coming in and eating up all my cancer cells,” she said.

Following the CAR-T treatment, Weiss experienced no side effects and eventually resumed her daily activities—walking her dog again was a significant milestone for her. “I was quite fortunate in many ways,” she remarked.

Now in complete remission, Weiss will still undergo scans every four to six months to monitor for any signs of cancer’s return, as her doctor indicated.

“In many ways, life has improved,” Weiss stated. “My priorities have shifted. Previously, I focused on work, often skipping important personal moments. Now, if my family needs me, I’m there. I’ve become more selective with my time, learning to say ‘no’ when necessary. It’s been a positive change and a great year.”