Return of B Cell NH Lymphoma 18 months after stem cell transplant.

My husband Bill has Mantle Cell Lymphoma.  He was treated with Treanda/Rituxan and had no side effects including no hair loss.  If anything, on about the fourth day after his chemo, he was a little more tired and would usually take a long nap.  He was in complete remission 6 months after diagnosis.  We are cheerleaders for Treanda.  He is on his 2nd year of Rituxan maintenance and so far he is doing very well on it.  He does get more tired though and that seems to be a complaint of those who are or have been on maintenance.  We looked into a stem cell transplant and emailed 3 doctors who are specialists in MCL. One in the states and 2 in Germany (where Treanda was developed)  They all pretty much said that as long as he was in remission, they would not suggest it, so we decided not to.  That of course is our decision and we are certainly not advocating  any certain decision.  I think you will do well on Treanda, in fact his oncologist told us that if Bill relapses and the time frame is far enough out they can use Treanda again, which is a different thought for MCL.  Before they said the same chemo could not be used for relapse, however Treanda is very new and think it is being used and appreciated more and more for certain lymphomas.  We consider ourselves very fortunate that it was available for Bill.  The best to you and feel free to comment and ask questions and share anytime.  We are a caring group here and you will find wonderful support.  Our very best to you, we know you will do fine.  Bill & Becky

Kathy1954 said:

Thank you for your response

Thank you for your response Bill and Becky.  I am waiting for blood work to be done this week.  I don't know yet if the Treanda is working.  I am so happy that I found this group on the Cancer Society website. 

I think you will be happy with your results.  Please let us know how it is going.  Yes, this group is awesome, please continue to join us when you can. B&B