Rituxan starts tomorrow

rituxan infusion
hi,

its very rare that a treatment should be stopped. some people can have a reaction to it, such as flu like symptoms, if this happens it will be fixed with cortisone and the infusion will be slowed down. dont worry you're in good hands at the hospital, they know what they're doing. let us know how you get on. best of luck.

Rituxan Treatment
I just finished an 8 week cycle. Drinks LOTS of water. It helped me keep the side effects(flu-like symptoms) away. By lots of water I mean you should drink at least 8-10 bottles thru out the day. This will keep your veins near the surface-easier for an IV. I was scheduled for a port. I said NO WAY! I drink SO much water and will continue drinking lots of water as I start maintenance therapy in a couple of months. Yes the first one is terrifying-I didn't sleep for two days prior, but was ok. I also go to an oncologist who as part of the treatment, gives me benadryl, 2 tylenol, and an anti nausea medication prior to the Ritxuan. And to ease in the treatment, the nurse injects demerol into the IV line as the Rituxan is being infused. Helped tremendously. I cannot stress enough DRINK LOTS OF WATER!
They did have to stop the first infusion-it's for your comfort. They wait a few minutes and start again. My throat felt like it was closing. I told them, they stopped, waited a few minutes and it was all right and they started again. Peppermint hard candies help with the mouth sores. There is a medication called Caphosol-it really works and is easy to use. My last few treatments started at 100 drips per minute and went to 200 dpm then 300 dpm. I have NHL indolent follicular. This is my 2nd round of it.
Again, DRINKS LOTS OF WATER. Relax, you will get through it. Peace!

Rituxin reactions
I wanted to share some info that I received from a great nurse at the Mayo clinic. I was of great comfort to me and helped me understand so much better. I had a simular reaction to the rituxin...itchy throat and roof of my mouth etc. They slowed the infusion down and she explained that I was not reacting to the med but rather to the large number of dead b cells. The rituxin goes after the b cells very rapidly and kills them so fast that the body can't keep up with clearing them out fast enough and they are toxic. By slowing it down it gives the body time to catch up and then all is well. There is much less chance of reactions with future treatments because there are fewer b cells. I found this really helpful and some added proof that it is working.

lees1953 said:

rituxan reaction
well that is certainly good news! I would rather that be the case than think I was reacting to the med.

yesterday was round 2 and it wasn't as bad since I knew what to expect; nurse said to let them know the second I felt any reaction, so about the 3rd hour, I could feel the inner canal in the ear begin to itch and back of my throat burn a little; so I alerted them.
They stopped the infusion for 30 min; gave another round of benedryl and therefore I didn't go into the full blown reaction with chills etc. much better!!

And I do think the nodes in my neck have already reduced some! I am optimistic! Sheila

Rituxan effects
I am 53 and had stage 4 when I started the regimen. I was diagnosed in February 2007. My biggest problem was constipation and I learned to take a small can of prune juice prior to, on the day of, and the day after each treatment. It helped immensely. My wife and daughter are both RNs and helped me to also understand emotionally what was going to happen to me. Namely, emotional swings. I am still clear. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay positive, believe and always, always stand.