Debi Weiss, a 72-year-old pilates instructor from Latest Jersey, initially dismissed her worsening symptoms as a stubborn case of the flu. But what began as fatigue and difficulty breathing quickly escalated into a shocking diagnosis: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Her story, recently shared with CBS News, highlights the importance of persistent medical investigation and the remarkable advancements in cancer treatment, particularly immunotherapy.
Weiss’s experience underscores how easily early cancer symptoms can be mistaken for common illnesses. As the Mayo Clinic explains, DLBCL is characterized by the rapid growth of lymphocytes, often presenting with symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms can overlap with those of more benign conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis.
“I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t walk my dog,” Weiss recounted to CBS News. Concerned, she sought medical attention, leading to blood tests and a biopsy that confirmed her fears. The diagnosis was a profound shock, leaving her feeling “very much an out-of-body experience.”
Debi Weiss.
Credit: Atlantic Health
Initial Treatment and Unexpected Recurrence
Following her diagnosis, Weiss began a course of chemotherapy. While initially responding to the treatment, a month after completing it, doctors discovered the lymphoma had returned, this time affecting her brain. This development presented a grim prognosis, according to Dr. Charles Farber, a hematologist-oncologist at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. “Her prognosis looked dismal,” he told CBS News.
The recurrence of DLBCL, particularly in the central nervous system, is a significant challenge in treatment. According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, approximately 30-40% of patients with DLBCL experience relapse or progression after initial therapy. The specific reasons for recurrence vary, but can include the development of resistance to chemotherapy or the presence of cancer cells that were not eradicated by the initial treatment.
A Breakthrough with CAR-T Immunotherapy
Facing a difficult situation, Weiss was offered a potentially life-saving treatment: CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) immunotherapy. This innovative approach involves extracting a patient’s T-cells, genetically engineering them to recognize and attack cancer cells, and then reinfusing them back into the body. Dr. Mohamad Cherry, the medical director of hematology at Atlantic Health, explained the process as essentially “reprogramming” the patient’s immune system to fight the cancer.
In January 2025, Weiss underwent the CAR-T therapy. She described the experience with a touch of whimsy, recalling how nurses drew Pac-Man characters on a whiteboard in her room. “I felt like my cells were going to reach into my body and Pac-Man themselves all the way around, and eat up all my cancer cells, and I’d be fine,” she said. The analogy, while lighthearted, captures the core principle of CAR-T therapy: harnessing the power of the immune system to selectively destroy cancer cells.
Debi Weiss’ doctors.
Credit: Atlantic Health
Remarkable Remission and a Shift in Priorities
Remarkably, Weiss experienced no significant side effects from the CAR-T therapy and achieved complete remission. She was able to resume her daily activities, including walking her dog, a simple pleasure that had been taken away by her illness. “I was very lucky, in a lot of ways,” she acknowledged.
While in remission, Weiss will continue to undergo scans every four to six months to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence, as recommended by Dr. Farber. The long-term effects of CAR-T therapy are still being studied, but it represents a significant advancement in the treatment of relapsed or refractory DLBCL.
Beyond the physical recovery, Weiss’s cancer journey prompted a profound shift in her priorities. She now places a greater emphasis on family and personal well-being, prioritizing time with loved ones over work commitments. “Life is better than it was before in a lot of ways,” she shared. “Now, if my family needs me, I don’t work. I will be where my family is at any given moment.”
A supportive sign for Debi Weiss.
Credit: Atlantic Health
Understanding DLBCL and Immunotherapy
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about one-third of all cases, according to the American Cancer Society. While often treatable with chemotherapy, a significant proportion of patients experience relapse or do not respond to initial treatment. This is where innovative therapies like CAR-T immunotherapy offer hope.
CAR-T therapy is not without potential risks, including cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities. However, advancements in managing these side effects have improved the safety and efficacy of the treatment. The FDA has approved several CAR-T therapies for the treatment of various blood cancers, including DLBCL.
Debi Weiss’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, the potential of cutting-edge cancer treatments, and the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey, from initially mistaking her symptoms for the flu to achieving complete remission through CAR-T therapy, offers hope to others facing similar challenges.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and CAR-T immunotherapy and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals with health concerns should consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
The next scheduled follow-up for Weiss will be a scan in approximately four months to continue monitoring for any signs of recurrence. Ongoing research into DLBCL and CAR-T therapy promises further advancements in treatment and improved outcomes for patients in the future.
Have you or a loved one been affected by lymphoma? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
