Starting BR January 17th

[Estate1]

I’m starting Chemo (BR) Jan 16th. It’s scheduled to be once a month for 6 months. I am 68yrs old and will be given the “over 70” protocol. I gather this is a lighter dosage. What if any symptoms might I expect? Anyone else here that has had similar chemo I’d love to hear how you found it to be. Thanks

[Justasheet1]

Estate,

I received 6 rounds of BR in 2014. The bendamustine never affected me during the first infusion but I had a severe reaction to the Rituxin. Rigors and a rash. They slowed the drip, gave me more benedryl and I was fine.

The next 5 infusions were smooth sailing. I would be zonked for 2-3 days and then felt fine.

My advice is take your anti nausea meds whether you need them or not. Drink drink drink and avoid germs. And my remission is coming to an end as I approach 4 years.

Jeff

[Estate1 in reply to Justasheet1]

Excellent Jeff! Thank you for your response. Merry Christmas from Alberta Canada!

[Justasheet1 in reply to Estate1]

Merry Christmas to you too from the Blue Ridge mountains in Georgia!

[Family2017 in reply to Justasheet1]

I have a question: after 4 years. You have relased or having symptoms? Thought BR gave longer time of remission. Was it your first line of treatment? Be blessed again

[HopeME in reply to Family2017]

4-years is actually a very good remission for BR. FCR is the chemo that has potential for a longer remission depending on your markers.

[Justasheet1 in reply to Family2017]

Family,

I feel fine but the numbers are going in the wrong direction. 4 years is actually pretty good for 11q- and unmutated. This was frontline.

Jeff

[MsChief]

We need to know more about your case to comment. I had 3 doses of Treanda (bendamustine) and 1 dose of Rituxan at age age 71 (I’m in the U.S.). After the Rituxan I became Neutropenic and spent about a month in the Hospital. Everyone has a different story - we are all individual cases. Over the last couple of years I have done very well on low dose Ibrutinib which is taken by mouth. I did move to a CLL specialist at another hospital who is very aware of my extreme sensitivity to medication. I have also consulted 3 times with Dr. Jennifer Brown at Dana Farber in Boston who initially wanted me to go on a clinical trial which I deferred. Best thing you can do is research your case to the best of your ability, ask a lot of questions, look at all the topics available on this site. Best thing I ever did. I will be 76 in January and, aside from the expected side effects of treatment, I feel supported while dealing with this disease. Best wishes and happy holidays.

[Estate1 in reply to MsChief]

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you also!

[Justasheet1 in reply to MsChief]

MsChief,

So sorry to hear. I had it easy I guess. I never missed a day of work throughout but I was also younger too. I was 50 y/o. I’m glad you are doing well now.

Jeff

[HopeME in reply to MsChief]

What clinical trial did she want you to consider? Why did you decline?

Thanks

[GMa27]

What kind is that? I had FCR.

I had uneventful experience. But not knowing your exact chemo...hard to give you advice. The nurses are great and pre meds are helpful. I loved my port. J

Kept hands free and saved my veins. 💕

[Estate1 in reply to GMa27]

BR = Bendamustine and Rituximab

[GMa27 in reply to Estate1]

Make sure they either split Rituxin over 2 days...or have it administered slowly 5-7 hrs. 💕

[Estate1 in reply to GMa27]

As a matter of fact the treatments are over two days. Thanks.

[GMa27 in reply to Estate1]

BR is 2 days but most of the time BR first day and second day 15 min only due to just B. Ask to split the R. You have to let them know few days before so insurance can approve. If they refuse then ask to have Rituxin real slow...at least 4-6 hours.

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to GMa27]

Bendamustine/rituxan [BR] treatment can be had very quickly, with rapid infusion bendsmustine and subcutaneous Rituxan...

Bendeka

bendeka.com

Rituxan Hycela

rituxanhycela.com

~chris 🇨🇦

[Estate1 in reply to Cllcanada]

I will be given Bendamustine IV infusion day 1 and Subcutaneous Rituximab day 2 as I understand.

[Hidden]

Estate1— Hi!

I started BR in November,completed round 2 last week. Had only Bendamustine my first round, then both this 2nd round. I did fine with both. I’m 37, so a little younger than you.

The hardest part for me has been Granix shots that I’ve received for 7 days following the chemo to help stimulate my immune system.

The chemo itself has been easy.

[Estate1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Brake! Merry Christmas!

[Jem67]

Hi Estate1. Good luck with your treatment. I am due to have round 2 on the 27th and 28th. After a few days after the 1st treatment I have felt absolutely fine. However, the dose of ritixumab is increased in the second round and infused more quickly so a bit apprehensive.

I will post after second round. Best Wishes, Joy in UK.

[Estate1 in reply to Jem67]

Thank you Jem! Good luck and Merry Christmas!

[Hidden]

Search my prior posts. Husbands response different than most with one round of BR. He needed to stabilize for a heart procedure so he was to have two treatments then resume after recovery from surgery. Basically it wiped out his entire counts. Neutropenia but also extreme anemia. His CLL is predominantly marrow. Could not do second round due to severe neutropenia and determined anemia at 7 with 3 units of packed RBC. I refused to let him have more chemo. Doctor wanted to see if it was due to the treatments or if the CLL had progressed and did a repeat bone marrow. It was already clear. That was in July and he currently has a hemoglobin of 14.7, normal RBC and Platelets of 186,000. His lymphs have gone up a bit for still barely over normal. So each is different. He is 79

[nuttynannie1947]

Hi. I start BR 15th Jan. Have been told I'll be in hospital for 2-3 days. This is my 3rd lote of chemo treatment, so hoping it'lll go ok. We don't have alote of choice so we just get on and do it. I'll be interested to see how you get on with your treatment. Is this your first lot of chemo? Xmas and New Year greetings from the South Island NZ.

[Estate1 in reply to nuttynannie1947]

Hi Nannie! Thanks for the reply. We are a day apart starting BR. (Jan 16th for me)

This is my first treatment. No hospital time here, just the actual treatment. Will be interesting to compare notes.

Merry Christmas from Alberta Canada.