Anyone have Rituximab infusion for lymphoma treatment? Did it help?

I went to see one of the nurses about it. She gave me a pretty large book. I didn't want to start it then. But am pretty miserable now. I need to get the book out. Thanks for your input.

If you have any questions or need clarification after reading the book, don’t hesitate pop back here! As you can see, you’re not alone in Connect. We’re here to help you get through this. ☺️

Hi @knissy, Rituximab isn’t chemotherapy, it is a type of immunotherapy called a targeted cancer treatment.
Also, please don’t let the term chemotherapy frighten you off. It can be a real life saver and there are many different forms, some with lesser intensity. But right now this is putting the cart before the horse.
It sounds like your doctor would like to start you on immunotherapy…which isn’t chemo. So that’s a really good place to start.
I’ve had Rituxan/Rituximab myself. It was a miracle drug for me. It’s very well tolerated by most people.
It is also very common for patients to have a reaction with the first treatment. It’s anticipated and handled quickly by the infusion team who will be with you during the infusion. If not in the same room with you, they will be in the immediate area. If there is a reaction they administer meds like Benadryl and steroids asap. Then they slow down the drip and all is well after that. The infusion may take a couple hours.

The infusion centers have either private rooms or lounge chairs in a group setting. But you get one on one attention from the nurses. There are usually TVs, snack/juice bars and bathrooms. You’re free to get up and walk around, use the restroom, etc., with the IV machine…it’s portable. Take along a goodie bag with a little lunch, water, and something for entertainment like a book/tablet, your phone (chargers if needed) I tossed in a small extension cord too. I think you might find this is more like a social center. ☺️

Honestly, with as poorly as you feel right now with your symptoms, I think you may feel better once you start that treatment. It would be so wonderful for you to be able to enjoy life again, right? This may be the means to get you there.

You as well!

Hi @knissy,

I am a little late to this conversation but wanted to also share my positive experience with Rutiximab to provide encouragement. I received 4 rounds of R-Chop therapy and 4 Matrix treatments at Mayo Clinic for an aggressive B cell lymphoma. Both of these therapies included Rutiximab.

For my treatments, Mayo administered Tylenol and Benadryl prior to each treatment to prevent adverse reactions. This worked very well to prevent symptoms and I had great results with this treatment - I have been in remission for a year now.

Wishing you all the best with your treatment and recovery.

I have Marginal Zone Lymphoma. I'm hoping Ritixumab infusions will help the symptoms. Chronic fatigue, unexplained weight loss, anemia, etc. has anyone had the infusions and did they help the symptoms?

Hi @knissy, Here is a link to a previous post where you asked about immunotherapy for lymphoma. You had some great answers from other members, including @shmerdloff who shared that they are taking Rituximab.
Now that you’ve had several weeks to settle into your diagnosis you may want to look back at that discussion with a fresh look. ☺️
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/getting-immunotherapy-for-slow-growing-lymphoma-anyone-had-that-thera/
I’ve personally had Rituximab infusions but for another condition. It was really well tolerated and for me, it was a miracle drug…a life saver! Because it’s a drug routinely used for non Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you may find it works very well for your MZL to reduce all of your debilitating symptoms as it addresses the underlying issue of lymphoma.

Usually these infusions are 1 time per week for several weeks. The initial treatment can cause a little reaction (at the time of the infusion) but the infusion nurses are well prepared for this because it’s so common. After that, it’s usually smooth sailing.
The first infusion can take a couple hours. So bring along a goodie bag filled with things to keep you busy. iPad, book, snacks, water bottle. Though often, there is a snack bar and juice bar in the infusion lounge in most clinics.
The IV will be portable so you can get up and walk around, use the restroom, etc..
I think you’ll find the thought of this is more intimidating than the actual infusion itself.

When is your first infusion?

I appreciate your comments. Helps me a lot. I've only had one infusion so far. I had a itching in my eyes, and ears. They slowed things down. I was there for 7 hours. Get 2nd one in 2 days. I'm ok so far.

Did someone say you design Gourds?;
I live in AZ and am a potter. Sometime get ideas from Gourds.

Hello, I too have been (recently) diagnosed with marginal zone lymphoma. I have swollen salivary gland and an enlarged spleen- will start immunotherapy Ritixumab infusion first week in August- I am scared, would like to talk to you! Leeann