Captain Leonel (Leo) Tingin, Firefighter, Diffused Large B-cell Lymphoma, Diagnosed at 51
About Me
I am Captain Leonel (Leo) Tingin, a firefighter who learned about DetecTogether’s early cancer detection program through Chief Kaialoa. The DetecTogether online learning experience was incredibly informative and straightforward. The presentations and handout materials were easy to understand and effective, so I shared them with our staff and new recruits.
How This Started
My story began with a small, mildly swollen area on the right side of my neck.
What I Noticed
At first, the swelling seemed to improve. Around the two-week mark, however, I noticed a growing, firm lump in my neck while looking in the gym mirror early one morning.
What Happened Next
I immediately made an appointment with my primary care physician, who saw me that Thursday and referred me to an ENT (Ears, Nose & Throat) doctor.
Initially, I was put on antibiotics for a possible infection, but the mass continued to grow and Captain Delucchi noticed it and suggested I get the lump checked out.
Despite multiple appointments and three fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies, I struggled to get a clear diagnosis.
Why It Was Easy to Wait
The swelling initially appeared to improve.
The Moment Things Changed
The situation reached a critical point when the mass became painful, prompting an emergency visit to the hospital.
There, I was admitted to the Oncology ward for nearly a week, finally getting the attention and diagnosis I needed.
What I Learned
I was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.
The most challenging part was navigating the uncertainty and delays between initial appointments and finding out what was really happening.
What Would Have Helped Sooner
Not specified.
What I Want Others to Know
“Fortunately, the DetecTogether program had taught me the importance of early detection. This knowledge prompted me to seek medical attention as soon as I noticed the changes.”
“In conversations with Captain Delucchi, a coworker and friend, we both acknowledged that the DetecTogether training played a crucial role in our decisions to act quickly.”
“Thanks to the awareness and education we received, we were both able to catch our conditions at an early stage.”
“We are here today because of that early action!”
Call to Action
If you notice a change that persists or continues to grow, seek medical attention and continue following up until you get answers.
Tags
- Behavior Pattern: Acted on a new health change
- Behavior Pattern: Continued pursuing answers through multiple appointments and biopsies
- Cancer Type: Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma