Rituximab and Bendamustine side effects

[pollyg2016]

Hello, I've previously asked for people's opinions on taking the above drugs and I have had many very positive feedback. Many thanks for that. I just have another question. What were the side effects you had on these drugs? My partner has just had his second dose of these chemos. He has developed a thrombosis in his arm, which is now being treated with daily injections, he has also noticed today that his body is coming out in a red rash. We remember this happening the very first time he had chemo when first diagnosed. In fact, he developed black spots all over his tongue as well. He panics slightly every time a "new side effect" appears and it can be hard to get him to calm down. I've made sure he's using paraben free/pure baby approved shower gel. Is this rash something we should be concerned about? or should we just wait until our next doctor's appointment (which is on Monday) to discuss?

[Saintgeorge]

Hiya, I have had the black tongue just once while on ritaximub n chemo, I brushed it off with toothbrush, dead white cells. I am presently on ritaximub alone, fatigue, tingling, ulcer in mouth, sleep not all that good. Its my wife that puts up with my moaning, not too much lol. Best wishes and if you would like further info please ask. Allan

[pollyg2016 in reply to Saintgeorge]

Hi Saintgeorge, I can empathize with your wife, I have to put up with my partner moaning or wanting to show me another rash all the time as well. Men are just really rubbish when they're sick!! He gets constipated and then gets diarrhea, but does not take the medication he's been given! He has painkillers but doesn't take them because he feels better, then he is in pain again. The doctors and nurses tell him to take them. He needs to drink 1 1/2lrs of water every day, and I have to keep reminding him, as well as reminding to gargle after each meal, as well as reminding him to keep taking his sickness tablets otherwise........surprise, surprise he feels sick again!!! Then he has a go at me for "nagging". I got him a pillbox so he knows when and what days he needs to take his medication. I feel as Cancer carers we don't get enough credit or thanks for what we do for our partners, it's incredibly draining and exhausting trying to keep positive and do everything at the same time. Don't forget to tell your wife how much you appreciate all she does. Surprise her with a present or a pamper/spa day session. As they say, who cares for the Carers??

[Rafe]

Hi, my experience has been that Bendaka/Bendamustine was quite harsh on my veins and it took them a year to recover. I also have developed thrush, but I’m not sure it’s from the BR chemo or my current Venetclox/Rituxan treatments. Best wishes

[TigerM]

I too had rash breakouts with Rituximab. They would pop up on my arm left forearm. Then once up my neck. Also interior in my throat. I went to a dermatologist because I had no clue what it was. I didn't connect the two. But the dermatoligist said it happens because of the antibodies. The rash reappeared a few times over the next several months and seems to still appear in times of great stress. Weird, huh? I can totally relate to the fear that comes from the side effects, but I am free of the cancer's effects so I'll take a rash any day of the week! Many prayers for your partner and for you. There is certainly nothing to enjoy about cancer but there is something to enjoy about today. I try to find that and stay there.