Elaine,

I just completed my 4th and final infusion of Rituxan. I had a reaction within the first 3 min of the first infusion, which was apparently predictable due to my excessively high lymphocyte count (27,000). They gave me meds and slowed the drip down and I was able to get through it…8 hrs later. The remaining treatments were fine but I had some side effects - nothing major. Mainly some body aches and discomfort, one day of flu like symptoms, and occasional low grade nausea. Also, I noticed within 36 hrs of the first treatment that my spleen has shrunk significantly. Furthermore, my WBC and lymphocyte counts have normalized. I’m meeting with my hematologist on Wednesday and I’m hoping he continues the good news. :). Yeah, this has been very difficult, but I’m trying my hardest to be in the present. The silver lining for me is that my wife and I are closer than we’ve ever been and I’m appreciating things so much more than previously, especially my two kids.