Hi Elaine, My Rituximab treatments were 5 years ago. 1 x weekly for 4 weeks. At that time, I had inflammation on my spinal cord caused by over zealous B-cells. The inflammation eroded the myelin sheath around my spinal cord and I lost the feeling from my waist to my toes. So, not the same diagnosis as yours but with another condition related to a B-cell involvement. It was a miracle drug for me in stopping the inflammation caused by the B-cells. There has been no relapse and I had no side effects from the drug…except for the first infusion which is common. My infusion team was alert and ready…handled within moments. Then smooth sailing after that.

Rituximab has become a mainstay in the therapy of a broad variety of B-cell malignancies and has a good track record for treating some forms of lymphomas such as yours.

Because this is an anti-inflammatory drug, it may suppress your immune system temporarily. B cells are an important part of your immune system that defends agains viruses, bacteria and parasites. You may be more vulnerable to colds, flu, Covid, RSV with a longer recovery time. (This is information I received…just passing it along). It’s up to you whether you mask or not.
Being immune compromised I still wear a mask routinely when in busy stores, elevators, community meetings, even gatherings with friends/family. They do work to protect us from airborne illnesses.

How soon would you start the infusions?