Rituxan or W&W?

[luciabon]

Hello I have folicular non hodkings lymphoma and I am trying to decide between having Rituxan (4 treatments) or doing watch and wait.. my question is would Rituxan puts you in remission, and another question, why wqtch and wait? It could spread and get me to stage 3 or 4 arent? Thanks!

[Smileyman]

Interesting question, no easy answer. There was a study undertaken by UCLH in London, sometimes referred to as the Ardeshna Study, in essence this may delay the need for for full chemo but not necessarily enable you to avoid full chemo. I was offered this pathway in February however did not go ahead. Whilst generally well tolerated it is still treatment and nothing in life is risk free. Crucially, it seems this treatment option does not remove the remote possibility for transformation into high grade lymphoma.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question, it is a judgement call on a patient by patient basis for professionals to advise. Remember remission may vary in time, think about your quality of life whilst on watch and wait, for me it is good, almost as good as not having lymphoma, having met people like me I realise it is a realistic pathway, and that is a good thought to hold onto.

Good luck and please do come back with updates on how you are doing.

[KarenL1 in reply to Smileyman]

I'll be Googling Ardeshna Study immediately! I have extra nodal marginal zone NHL, stage IV. I live near Toronto. My oncologist here in Brampton wants me to start Rituxan/Bentamustine chemo yet lymphoma guru in Toronto advises me to stay on WW. I have skin involvement, bone marrow minimally, lungs minimally, breast primary. Increasing fatigue is my main complaint. Decision difficult.

[Jean49]

Follicular B Cell NHL is a slow growing cancer so talk to your doctor about your watch and wait option. You may also find some helpful information at LLS.org

I live in Florida and have not heard of a treatment with just Rituxan, and even with Rituxan infusions there will be pre- meds given. I have had Rituxan as maintenance after chemo, but always with other chemo drugs as well.

[TigerM]

I have B Cell NHL characterized by extreme fatigue. I took the 4 Rituxan treatments. It has been a year and I feel great! I had minor reaction to the treatment, mostly itching/hives but a round of steroids knocked it out. I did have a significant reaction to the first treatment but we quickly decided to have the premeds, generally steroids and benedryl, done by IV. That took care of it. My numbers are really good and I'm glad I did it. Best to you and prayers. Having cancer, no matter the form, is life affecting. Give yourself permission to thrive!

[luciabon in reply to TigerM]

Hello !! I am glad to hear you did well! Did you went to remission with the 4 treatments or what can I expect with this treatment? Do you know which stage are you? Are you still fatigued? Maybe I can help!