Getting Immunotherapy for slow growing Lymphoma. Anyone had that thera

Retuximab . Easy infusions. No significant side effects. We'll know results first week in August.

I have a friend whose daughter (late 40’s) diagnosed with no immune system. Just started on immunotherapy. Got extreme back pain within a few minutes of infusion. Had to quit and start up again but couldn’t finish. Has that happened to you. Doctors think she may have lymphoma. What are your symptoms now?

Good morning, @knissy. Immunotherapy for lymphoma is fairly common and beneficial. But when it’s new to you, there’s a lot of questions I’m sure! I had them too. I didn’t have lymphoma but another form of blood cancer and infusions were part of my life for quite a while.
Not sure which medication you’ll be receiving. There are different types of lymphoma with drugs to match the disease.

I’ve found a discussion that might be helpful for you!

This conversation picks up in the middle of a discussion on Staying Strong and facing an uncertain future. Most of it won’t apply to you but the link I’m posting starts with a conversation with @valandsheri when her husband was about to start Rituximab/ bendstamine infusions for lymphoma.
Here’s the link…keep reading through the next few replies.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/807392/
~~~~~
With your non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, did your doctor discuss which type of immunotherapy they’d like you to receive?

First - Dear Lori - hello to you!!!! All is well here in the Wild West 🙂 Sending you a great big hug! I miss you!

Hi Knissy, my husband was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma in November of 2022. His diagnosis came as an "incidental finding" while trying to figure out the source of his low back pain. He was "watch and wait" for two months, and after he lit up like a Christmas Tree on his Pet Scan treatment became the course of action. He began Rituxan and Bendamustine together. He had a slight reaction to the Rituxan on his first round, but didn't say anything (he felt slightly cold) to his nurse as he thought it was normal. The next round 28 days later was a little different. He felt cold and then his back began to hurt - the emergency team showed up, gave him the "antivenom" to reverse whatever was happening, waited 20 minutes and started his treatment again. He did not have any other reactions the rest of his treatment. His bloodwork did get a little wonky over the course of his treatment - white blood count, that sort of thing and fatigue. Overall, he did great and after 5 treatment cycles he was deemed disease free! What a blessing. Two years later his lab work looks good. He has a few other things going on that are more likely related to his age (77) and living a busy, productive life. Would he do his treatment again if there is a reoccurrence - absolutely. Best wishes to you for good health and healing! As I noted when I first wrote here that I was more nervous than he was. He's quite the warrior. He trusted his hematologist and went in full force. I'm hoping that you will, as well. Any question, please ask. 🙂

@valandsheri. Hi Sheri! I’m so happy to see you here and of course, thank you hugely for your reply about Val’s success with treatment. I’m hoping that @knissy will feel a little more confident starting infusions for her lymphoma after reading about Val.
I miss you too, though I think of you often. Was at an art gallery earlier this month with some amazing gourd pieces…you immediatly popped to mind. I hope you’re still doing your fabulous artwork. Glad everyone is fit and healthy out there in the Wild West! 😁 Big hug right back at cha!

Feel much better after immunotherapy infusions . Seems to be helping my Waldenstroms

Thank you for your reply. I'm very fatigued. Lost 35 lbs. lost 3 clothes sizes. Very depressed.

Isn't b that Chemo? Don't want chemo.
Glad its helping you.

Thank you for your reply. I'm a bit nervous but don't like these symptoms. I've been on wait and watch for 2 years. Had the fatigue, etc for at least 1 of those. No quality of life. I used to be very active. Too much fatigue now.

You are very encouraging. That's what I need. Hope you continue to get better.