Follicular Lymphoma - Rituxan and Bendamustine

mossback99

Hello Aim2. Sorry you have had to deal with this.

I know probably the least of anyone here but I'll offer my thoughts. The cancer diagnosis is a heavy burden. Don't be too hard on yourself about timeframes, the healing and recovery process and how you think you should feel.

I too have recently completed treatment, and thankfully it seems to have worked pretty well. Which I am happy about for sure. But there are still those thoughts in the back of my mind about getting it in the first place, the lingering side effects, the constant reminder of how fragile life is and the concerns for the future. We all process this differently but in my case, the worries haven't gone away so much as they have changed and shifted to different things. I think some lingering anxiety from all this is inevitable. On the other hand, it really doesn't help anything. So, as best you can, try to just focus on the positive and keep doing your best to live a healthy life. Keep exercising. eating well, etc. I haven't done any formal counseling but this forum and the other lymphoma forum have been very helpful and even therapeutic. It's nice to speak with others who directly understand the situation. I've learned a tremendous amount and also gained significant perspective.

I'm curious what type of treatment did you have? And how was the port removal procedure compared to having it put in? I'm hoping to have mine out soon too!

Aim2sk8

Mossback99,

Thank you so much for your reply and encouragement. Faith, health and positivity have been at the core of my journey. Cancer is not something you hope for, but there were so may blessings surrounding me that I am so grateful for. My family has a strong history of colon cancer. I've been monitored for it for over 35 years. I have been prepared for that diagnosis not lymphoma. That was quite a shocker.

My treatment consisted of Rituximab and Bendamustine. I began with IV treatment, but the Rituximab caused a chemical burn in my veins. I really didn't want the port, but I didn't have much of a choice.

The port was difficult to adjust to. I tolerated it, but near the end of my treatments I just knew I needed it removed ASAP. It was a risky decision because I was removing it before getting my final PET scan results, but I was willing to take that risk. Very out of character for me. 😊 The removal of the port was easier. I opted for a local anesthetic so I could drive myself home. It went well. It felt like the doctor was pressing down on me a bunch. It didn't hurt, but just felt odd. It takes quite a while for the incision to heal. Be patient for that process. Over two months from the procedure and I am still not fully healed. You'll be able to handle the removal just fine.

In reading some of your other posts, it sounds like to are handling your treatment pretty well. too. When I was diagnosed I told my family that I am going to be fine. This is just a 6 month inconvenience. Now I'm just listening to my body and trying to be as holistically healthy as possible. I have a free month of yoga pass and am doing as many classes as I can. I've never really done yoga before, but I'm really enjoying it. We've got this!