Hello Swede. I don’t have your cancer, but can certainly identify with unpleasant side effects. Over several years of treatment I have had to address that issue with both my local oncologist and Mayo Clinic hematologist/oncologist. On all occasions they had suggestions for options of treatment. Have you had options presented to you?
One but to old for it as it very hard on your whole system and at 74 now they dont advise it.
The Rituxan has made small purple spots on my arms the they get larger and larger. In two years my skin went from looking great to looking like a 100 year old man . Sometime a vein will blow and start bleeding. My skin is so thin I have
To take bandage kits with me. Anything can tear my skin.
Hello @roberthall0452, welcome to Connect. I would like to introduce you to another new member, @harvie, who also recently posted about being diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma. @roberthall0452, if you are comfortable sharing a bit more, how are you doing with this diagnosis? Has there been any discussion of a treatment plan?
I live in Lansing Mi and go to the Sparrow Hospital Cancer Center. I know this cancer is rare but in a city of 159,000 I can hardly find anyone else with my cancer.
I've had this stage 3 cancer for over four years . Had several side effects from my infusions. Looking for other people with this cancer
Hello @sweede536 I just noticed that @colleenyoung asked me to jump in on this discussion. Sorry. You say that you’re on IVIG and rituxan and that you’re having some side effects. May I ask what they are (other than the skin problems from rituxan)?
Hello @harvie, I have been treated and am now in remission. Looking for anyone with this condition to share notes. I just relocated to Az from the east coast and would like to find a doctor so I would not have to fly back and forth. Any info would be helpful.
Have had MCL for 4 1/2 years. After 1 year at stage 3 I went into remission. Since then I have been on retuxin and a infusion called Ivig which builds up your system since ten. I'm 74 and was in great condition. Seems like the retuxin has really hurt my skin and get purple circles all over my arms. Skin looks like a man of 100 years old.
I see where people usually get off of retuxin after two years and I have been on it 3 1/2 years. Confussed.
Thanks for the invite. I was diagnosed in 2/2014 at age 69. My disease presented in the bone marrow and kidneys. I had no symptoms. Kidney presentation is very rare. I had chemo and was in remission after 3 monthly treatments. I followed that with two years of Rituxan. I spent 3 years on dialysis and was able to come off after many lifestyle changes -. and without a transplant (a miracle). At the moment I am in remission. I go to MD Anderson for my disease. I came here because I still have low kidney function and am looking for ways to improve.
Hello lottajoy,
My Experience: I was diagnosed with MCL in 02/2016.
I was admitted to the hospital with a blood platelet count of 20 after feeling fatigued. My treatment consisted of 5 days in hospital with chemo each day then I was released and had chemo once a week for 8 weeks. The chemo consisted of Rituxin and another chemo that I don't recall, looking for the info but cannot put my hands on it but this treatment worked and I have been in remission for 18 months. I recently went into relapse and am now on Imbruvica and it is showing good results. I am fortunate that insurance is covering this drug because it is very expensive. I did not have any trouble taking the chemo which seemed like a walk in the park when comparing it to the radiation I experienced in 2013 for esophageal cancer which is completely behind me. Please make sure you have a doctor that you feel very good about, it took two trys for me. Look forward to seeing where you go with this and will be watching for you. Best Wishes!
I am a 74 year old male in otherwise good health and I am active in tennis and working out at the gym, plus I watch what I eat.
I'm 74 and have stage 3. I've been on retuxin for 3 1/2 years and have had alot of hand skin problems. Seems like everyone I'd off retuxin after two years. Have a little skeptic
About my doctor.
My chemo treatment is 2-part: A and B. They alternate every 3 weeks until I have had 3 of each. Part A is done as an out-patient but takes 7-9 hours. I have to stay in the hospital for 3 days when I have Part B. I am not a patient at Mayo, so I don't know how they do it.
Part A:
Cyclophosphamite
Doxorubisin
Viacristine
Rituxin
University of Wisconsin Hospital. By the time the cancer was found, there were a lot of lymph nodes in my abdomen and chest affected. He said since I am young (58) and in good health, they were prescribing an aggressive treatment.
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One but to old for it as it very hard on your whole system and at 74 now they dont advise it.
The Rituxan has made small purple spots on my arms the they get larger and larger. In two years my skin went from looking great to looking like a 100 year old man . Sometime a vein will blow and start bleeding. My skin is so thin I have
To take bandage kits with me. Anything can tear my skin.
Yes
I get two infusions every 6 weeks. One with Rituxan and one called IVIG with help boost your immune system.
Hello @sweede536 I just noticed that @colleenyoung asked me to jump in on this discussion. Sorry. You say that you’re on IVIG and rituxan and that you’re having some side effects. May I ask what they are (other than the skin problems from rituxan)?
Have had MCL for 4 1/2 years. After 1 year at stage 3 I went into remission. Since then I have been on retuxin and a infusion called Ivig which builds up your system since ten. I'm 74 and was in great condition. Seems like the retuxin has really hurt my skin and get purple circles all over my arms. Skin looks like a man of 100 years old.
I see where people usually get off of retuxin after two years and I have been on it 3 1/2 years. Confussed.
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1 ReactionConfused. I've been on retuxin for 3 1/2 years. I've had many side effects. Esp. With my skin.
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1 ReactionI'm 74 and have stage 3. I've been on retuxin for 3 1/2 years and have had alot of hand skin problems. Seems like everyone I'd off retuxin after two years. Have a little skeptic
About my doctor.
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1 ReactionWhat stage is it in.
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1 ReactionI am stage 3 and am on retuxin for 3 1/2 years.
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1 Reaction@sweede536 I just found this website that may be of interest to you:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/rituximab-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20068057
The article does mention a red rash and suggests that you bring this up to your doctor. Does your doctor know about your rash? What does he/she say?
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