My name is Karen, I’m 38 and live in Spain. I’m currently in remission following a diagnosis of grade 3A follicular lymphoma in 2024.
I’m originally from Nicaragua and now based in sunny Barcelona. I speak English and Spanish, and I work in a tech company within the Commercial Strategy team. I’m currently in remission following a diagnosis of grade 3A follicular lymphoma in 2024.
I’ve always been someone who values meaningful connections and is deeply drawn to wellbeing through meditation, ecstatic dance, reading, music, and spending time in nature.
I was diagnosed at 36, during my third month in a new job I had worked very hard for. I was shocked and in disbelief.
At that moment, everything in my life seemed to be going well. So hearing the word “lymphoma” was completely unexpected.
In fact, I remember having to Google what follicular lymphoma even was; I had never heard of it before.
Looking back, it all started with a persistent back pain that wouldn’t go away. It began to radiate towards my ribs, and although I didn’t have many other clear symptoms, something inside me kept saying: This isn’t normal.
I chose to listen to that voice and continued searching for answers. I visited several different specialists, including traumatologists, surgeons, and an internist. That decision, to insist, to not ignore my body, was what ultimately led to my diagnosis at the right time.
Living with follicular lymphoma is not linear. It’s a process that changes constantly.
From the beginning, I placed a lot of trust in my doctors and in the treatment. I followed everything closely and responded well medically, which I feel deeply grateful for.
But emotionally, it has been a very different journey.
There have been moments of fear, frustration, and loneliness, times when it felt like no one truly understood what it means to live with this condition. At the same time, I have always held onto a strong sense of hope and the belief that I would be okay.
Throughout this process, I’ve found support in my daily rituals and in staying connected to the people closest to me.
I completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy (R+B), and I am currently undergoing maintenance immunotherapy.
One of my biggest challenges has been emotional.
I had to slow down in ways I never had before, step away from the pace I was used to, and reconnect with myself with much more compassion.
Physically, fatigue has also been a challenge, especially as someone who used to be very active. Trying to return to work while managing treatment and recovery has not always been easy.
But this experience has also brought profound gifts.
The greatest of them has been feeling the unconditional love and support of my partner, my family, my friends, and allowing myself to truly receive it.
It has also been an opportunity to rediscover myself, to listen more deeply, and to redefine what truly matters.
If there is one thing I would share, it is this:
Listen to your body.
Your body is always communicating with you. In my case, paying attention to a pain that didn’t feel right made all the difference. Early detection matters, and timing can be crucial.
I would also say that follicular lymphoma can affect anyone. Whether you are young or old, male or female. It is very real. And even though the journey can feel isolating at times, there is a whole community out there, and there is hope.
