My name is Vikki, and I live in England, and I was diagnosed with FL in 2015.
I am a company director and a mum to twin sons aged 23. I regularly go to the gym.
I remember everything about the day I was diagnosed with FL. I can shut my eyes and see the room; the desk, the window, and hear the birds tweeting. And I can still hear the consultant telling me that unfortunately I have a form of blood cancer. And I remember my husband crying for the first time since our sons’ births.
The months following were a blur of hospital appointments, scans, and blood tests. There is a misconception that once a cancer diagnosis is made things move quickly, but the reality is they don’t.
It was finally decided that I would go on watch and wait. This is when my mental health took a significant drop. I felt no one understood and I hated burdening my family and friends. This is when i found the Facebook Living with Follicular Lymphoma page. Thousands of people like me with the same diagnosis – all who understood. They could give advice and support.
In 2017 I started treatment. The nodes in my neck got slightly bigger and I was generally not coping with watch and wait. I read an article in the waiting room stating that NICE were recommending Rituximab as a first line treatment for FL so I asked my consultant, and they thought it was a good idea. I got total NED on the second scan after treatment and on the last scan in October 24; still showing I was in remission. No symptoms and bloods were all ok as of September 2025, so the consultant feels I’m still in remission.
The LWFL group was a lifeline helping with lots of information on treatments and support when in treatment. I then found myself supporting other members by sharing my journey and experiences.
The Follicular Lymphoma Foundation (FLF) was set up, and I have been a super supporter for the charity for some time giving the LWFL Facebook page a voice to the charity.
Accepting my diagnosis. I think once you can do that life does become easier.
I’m happy to say I am 8 years in remission and life is good. I’m recently single and know that my cancer will return at some point, but I don’t feel alone. I know even if I’m still single, I will have the full support of the LWFL FB group. Every member is truly part of my FL family.
Stay positive. Look after your mental health.
