Rituxan/Bendamustine

[puck120]

Have any of you undergone the Rituxan/Bendamustine regimen? I'm wondering what side effects I might expect. I have follicular lymphoma grade 1-2 and stage 4.

[Clarex2]

Hi. Are you Just having the rituximad injections? In currently having them for maintenance and dont have any side effects. Hope this helps.

[wmay13241]

Following R-CHOP that progressed 4 months after treatment, my then 66 year old wife (FL stage 4, grade 2) had 6 rounds of BR in 2012. She progressed 2 months after treatment and then had Ibrutinib that partially worked for 12 months, then took Idelalisib/rituximab for 14 months as a bridge to CAR-T. In March 2016 she was infused with CAR-T as part of an NIH clinical trial - she remains in CR. My advice to you is to always, always be researching for your next treatment. Best wishes.

[msarver]

I had three rounds of R/B following 3 rounds of R-CHOP for stage 4 Follicular. No serious side effects from the R/B other than a bit of nausea that felt like car sickness. I have been in complete remission for nearly 18 months. Best of luck to you. Stay strong!

[kstan8]

I have the exact same cancer. I underwent the same treatment January to June 2018. The first infusion I had reactions--chills, itching, and breathing. They adjusted the infusion rate and I was fine. My other five infusions I had no issues. I never did throw up although I did experience nausea but they gave me anti nausea medication that took care of that. Also the dietitian told me to eat one protein and one carb every two hours. Keeping food in your stomach helps.

All the best to you.

[Howie40]

Back in 2016 I received a 6 month course of Rituxan/Bendamustine in response to relapsed Aggresive CD20 positive large B-cell lymphoma. Except for initial single allergic reaction to Rituxan which was immediately suppressed with Benadryl the overall therapy was relatively uneventful except for some transient fatigue. My first lymphoma in 2009 hit a testicle which was surgically removed and followed up with 6 months of R-CHOP, intrathecal methotrexate, and radiation to the contralateral testicle. The relapse in 2017 was extranodal and hit my left forearm with a small area of swelling and then severe neuralgia down to my hand. It was initially diagnosed as a schwannoma. Surgical excision revealed a 10cm lymphoma wrapped around and involved the radial nerve and also muscle invasion. Radiation to the left arm followed the Rituxan/Bendamustine and arm now has some lingering numbness and weakness but otherwise OK. I’m on 10mg. Revlimid now to hopefully keep the beast at bay. Good luck with your treatment!

[moors3029]

My husband didn’t have any except for low blood count.

[puck120]

I thank you all for taking the time to respond. I'm mainly worried about the Rituxan effects on our lungs and breathing as I have stage 4 emphysema as well. In my initial meeting with the nurse who administers the infusion, I asked what was the most common side effect she witnessed in the infusion (first cycle) and she said breathing issues. There's also a possible long term effect of risk of pneumonia, so both of those issues are very concerning. I've been waiting and watching for 7 months, but it's in my bones now, so I'm scheduled for 6 cycles of BR over 6 months to start.

[Bharris23]

I’m sorry to read about your diagnosis. I had the same in 2015. Completed 6 rounds of R-CHOP and a 2 year maintenance of rituxan. My body didn’t like the first infusion of rituximab. It’s not painful at all, for example, my tongue felt like it itched. I told the nurse and they gave me a Benadryl. It happened three times that treatment. When it was done with treatment one, I never had another reaction. My advice to you is to be completely honest with your nurses by telling them what you feel, ask as many questions as you can, drink as much water as you can consume (before, during, after) and try to exercise as much as possible. For me, prednisone was the worst thing I had to take. If you have to take prednisone, do yourself a favor and ask for Xanax to help curb the steroid. Keep your head up puck120! Great thoughts and peaceful treatments headed your way. You’ll do great.

[patricih]

I had very little side effects

[Whitley55]

Naseau and itch from the first treatment

[JeanL54]

I did in 2011. I also had Follicular Lymphoma. I was tired after a couple treatments. Weaker and quite nauseaus. Never actually sick, just felt that way for about a week after treatment. I was on some heavy duty anti-nauseants though. I still worked, I was blessed to be working mainly from home so could do it as I felt like it. I felt dumb most of the time, like my brain was not up to par. I didn't lose my hair and overall I would say it was a better treatment than I have heard of others. Lots of prayer helped me as well and I am still free of the dreaded disease as of now. It took awhile but I have my energy and strength back and feel great!! I thank God every day for that.

I will keep you in my prayers and I wish you all the best with your treatments. Take care.

[Calipewings_2016]

I completed 6 treatments of R&B two yrs ago and I remain in remission from Marginal Nodal NHL stage 3. The only side effects that I noticed was feeling fatigued, losing more hair than usual and itchy skin.

[puck120 in reply to Calipewings_2016]

Hmmm.. I was told there'd be no hair loss.

[puck120]

I'd like to thank you all again for your best wishes!