86 years old with B cell lymphoma

Hi, I’m 77 and was diagnosed with non- Hodgkin B cell lymphoma in January.
I have been through 4 cycles of Bendamustine/Rituximab and an additional 2 cycles of just Rituximab. My only symptoms have been a peripheral neuropathy caused by high kappa light chains and that level and the neuropathy have responded well to treatment.
No other treatment planned but will monitor light chains every three months.
Hope that helps.

@jerry48 thank you for sharing.

@jerry48 May I ask how high your light chains were (and are) that caused the neuropathy?
I have MGUS with elevated lambda light chains. Thanks, and all the best to you in your treatment.

@leslie2121
My light chains were 400 at first. They are now leveled out at 35 after treatment. Goal was to get below 20 which is considered normal but that is not going to happen. Plantar and dorsal muscle strength in my ankles started to return after the first couple of months of treatment but numbness of lower legs from the calves down persists. EMGs showed that the myelin sheathes were fine; the blockage was at the axons at the nerve endings. Unsure whether that will resolve with time.

I am hoping that you get improvement! 😊

I just started the BR treatment a couple of weeks ago. So far oaky, no extreme side effects. Some achiness and fatigue, minor GI distress. Will wait and see how things go, set to do 4-6 cycles. My sub-type is marginal zone lymphoma. Since so early in treatment, I am just riding it out until we move further into it all, then see how effective this will be. Hoping for the best, grateful to be tolerating things so far.

Hairy cell leukemia. Diagnosed 1981. Splenectomy. Nothing until 2018. 6x cladribine. Then sufaced again 2025. Infusions cladribine then retuximab. Doc said marrow biopsy showed only 1 remaining hairy cell. Downside is now. MDS with tp 53 mutation to become AML. Not good. Bloods 1x/month + wait and see. 78y/o. The best to you.

I’m 84 with B cell lymphoma, just finishing my second round of Rituxin, 4 infusions a week apart.
The Benadryl added to the chemo leaves me very sleepy but after a nap I’m fine with no other side effects.
I continue to follow my regular schedule and enjoy life as a gift from God.
I hope you do as well with your treatments.

@dunewalker God is good. . Taking one day at a time.

Hi Annie, I'm 80 and my indolent marginal zone non-Hodgkin lymphoma of the past 5 years morphed into B cell aggressive stage 4 lymphoma early this spring after a very intense few months of family issues. I've had 2 of 6 planned Rituxin and Bendamustine infusions, which come round every 28 days. For three or four days following the infusions I have nausea, some GI issues, sensations like UTI but actually an effect of the infusions, and need naps after 3-4 hours of being active. Due to large pleural effusions - the primary lymphoma is in the lining of my lung and there are a couple others elsewhere- I've gone thru periods of being short of breath, but three thoracentesis drains helped a lot. It's so interesting to see how things change over the month, from needing utterly bland comfort food, for example, to being able to enjoy coffee and well-flavored food once again. Friends, family, my little dog, and recognizing that my primary job now is healing, have helped me get a sense of balance after the first weeks of overwhelm. I'm being cautious to avoid groups and am at home a lot, missing the energetic playtime with grandchildren- but determined to get thru this and return to an active life once more. Blessings to you!