A Pilates teacher thought she had the flu. Doctors found an aggressive disease: “An out-of-body experience”

Debi Weiss, a Pilates instructor, initially brushed off her symptoms of weakness and shortness of breath in January 2024 as just the flu. However, as her condition deteriorated over the following weeks, she sought medical attention and was eventually diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a type of aggressive cancer. Despite being familiar with the disease from her previous work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Weiss was still shocked by the news.

After undergoing chemotherapy, Weiss experienced a recurrence of the lymphoma in her brain. Her prognosis was grim, but she was offered a personalized immunotherapy treatment called CAR-T that showed promise in saving her life. With unwavering faith in her medical team, Weiss decided to proceed with the treatment.

CAR-T therapy involves genetically engineering a patient’s T-cells to target and destroy cancer cells. Weiss underwent the procedure in January 2025, likening the process to a video game where the engineered cells acted as Pac-Man, devouring the cancer cells in her body.

Remarkably, Weiss responded well to the CAR-T therapy with no side effects. She underwent close monitoring for a year post-treatment and is now in complete remission with no evidence of disease. Her healthcare team will continue to monitor her regularly to ensure the cancer does not return.

Since completing her treatment, Weiss has returned to her normal life, working two part-time jobs she loves and enjoying activities with her family. The experience has given her a new perspective on life, leading her to prioritize what truly matters and embrace each moment fully.

Overall, Weiss credits the CAR-T therapy for giving her a second chance at life and is grateful for the positive impact it has had on her well-being. Her journey serves as a testament to the advancements in personalized medicine and the hope it brings to cancer patients like her.