Mum has her diagnosis and its lymphoma - starts Rituximab on Friday

[WeAllHaveWings]

Poor mum, had intensive chemotherapy 12 years ago and it cleared up her issues then, but now she got another unrelated cancer. She's in her late 70's and very frail due to past and current conditions taking their toll.

She starts Rituximab on Friday, doctors say its a very tolerable treatment, but online side effects seem quite tough.

Anyone any experience of this drug and how we can help her?

Hi, my Dad had this treatment a few years ago at a similar age to your Mum. It was for a different condition though that was making him very unwell so he started the treatment weak and in hospital. But he tolerated it really well no side effects at all.
The first few treatments took a while but it got quicker after that. I could stay with him

Good luck to you and your Mum it is a horrible worry. I know how you feel as my Mum has had unrelated cancers twice. It makes you feel life is so bloody unfair.

Thanks scoob good to hear a positive story about the side effects of the treatment. Mum is putting on a brave face, but we can tell she is scared. Dad passed away suddenly in July and she has spent more time in hospital than out since then until they diagnosed her on Friday.

Doctors have said they hope this drug will start working quickly and hopefully she should start to feel a bit better in just a few weeks. I hope so, she deserves a break.

Hi, my dad had this treatment amongst other chemo drugs when he had burkitts lymphoma 6 years ago. He was very ill when he went into hospital but he coped quite well.

good luck to your mum. I also no how you feel as my dad is on his 3rd different cancer now!

Really try not to worry. Rituximab is well tolerated. It it not like conventional chemo and doesn't tend to cause sickness etc.

My dd has rituximab for an autoimmune condition. She feels a bit groggy and unwell while having it, and is wiped out for about three days after. I hope your mums treatment goes well.

I'm so sorry about your Mum.

I have just had two treatments of Rituximab, alongside other immunosuppressants for an autoimmune condition. Treatment for what I have is experimental and this treatment was chosen as they feel it has few harmful side effects compared to similar treatments. (Other chemo drugs, although they're obviously not being used for that)

I had my second infusion last Tuesday, which was two weeks after my first. I didn't get any ill effects from the infusion itself, but I was very tired for the whole day and the next day maybe. I have had fluid in my joints a few times, which was painful, plus bad cramping, but the doctors aren't sure if that's related or due to the other drugs I am on.

I hope your Mum responds well to the treatment.

Thank you everyone for your comments on Rituximab, sounds like it is well tolerated and has eased my worries about Friday a little.

Now need to pray (which I don't often do!) it helps her, she isn't a suitable candidate for any other treatments such as surgery (splenectomy) or chemo due to her past intensive chemo and age/health so it just has to work!

Good luck to you and your loved ones.

Midori, could you PM me if you have a vasculitic condition please?

WeAllHaveWings, I hope Friday goes as well as possible and that the rituximab works.