Follicular Lymphoma age 74-what to expect?

Posted by joaniepnw @joaniepnw, 17 hours ago

I was in a car accident in February and a CT scan revealed a lesion on my pelvic sidewall. The pet scan done at Mayo discovered 3 more. On the tibia, t-12 spine and armpit. Biopsy of the pelvic sidewall confirmed follicular lymphoma. I start chemo treatment next week. I would like to know how you felt after treatment say on day 5. Did you improve and feel better as days passed until your next cycle? Thank you, Joanie Kiser

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Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | 4 hours ago

Hi Joanie. Welcome to Mayo Connect. My goodness, I’m glad you were ok after that car accident. Though it may have been a positive event which allowed for the early discovery of your follicular lymphoma (FL)! I’m sure this all came out of the blue for you. But FL generally responds well to treatment. The key is to get started.

It looks like next week you begin your treatments. I’m not sure what you’ll be receiving but most common treatment is with Bendamustine and Rituximab.
There are several members in Connect who have shared their experiences with FL. One in particular is this one posted a few years ago, but still relevant…by @valandsheri when her husband had FL and started his chemo.

~Starting Bendamustine and Rituxin for Follicular Lymphoma
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/starting-bendamustine-and-rituxin-for-follicular-lymphoma/
There are many other discussions with members in the results of this search:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/
Your first appointment at the infusion center may be a lengthy one. So plan accordingly by taking along a snack or lunch. Entertainment like a book, ipad, extension cord and charger, water. You’ll have an iv in your arm but you’ll be mobile. You can get up and use the bathroom, take walks, etc. the IV cart unplugs and follows you everywhere. ☺️

If you do receive Rituximab the drip rate for that medication can be slow for the initial treatment. It is very common for patients to have a little reaction to that med the first time while they are at the infusion center! There is no need for anxiety as it is anticipated by the staff and they are ready with steroids and Benadryl that gets injected right into the IV along with the medication. But they will then slow the rate down so it can take a couple hours to empty the bag. After that, subsequent rounds usually go much faster.
I often had my husband drop me off and pick me up when finished so he didn’t have to wait for me. I was recovering from another issue so wasn’t able to drive for several months. Most people can drive home afterwards.

Do you live near the hospital or clinic where you’ll have the infusion?

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