Maintenance rituximab.

Hi John

I had RCHOP  followed by rituximab (7 sessions) then suspended due to Covid.  My understanding is that the Rituximab further weakens the immune system (Rituximab sticks to all the CD20 proteins it finds. Then the cells of the immune system pick out the marked cells and kill them.)so it is the best decision at present to suspend this treatment.  

I fully expect the treatment to start again once it is safe to do so. 

Hope you are staying safe!

Best wishes.

Thanks for that. It’s always comforting to know one isn’t alone. 
   Keep well.

, just dropping in past to say hello.

I see you joined the Community a while back and so hope you have been able to find it helpful. Good to see that you have received a very supportive reply from Xena.

There is a lot of treatment changes happening   and from what I have seen a lot done to protect the immune system through this challenging time.

The groups is always here to support as best as it can.

I’m in the same position as you, John. I am a bit concerned but there’s not a lot that we can do, I guess. 

I was "lucky" my team considered that my maint treatment needed to go ahead, I had my treatment yesterday

The haematology unit was very secure had to ring the door bell to gain access, they checked who you were and what appointment, had you not had an appointment you were refused entrance

I was allowed in but my wife who usually sits with me in the consultation so she can take notes was not allowed in the unit

It all went well and the nurses and Dr were very comforting and reassuring

Ritux kills off the B cells. When you stop taking it, it takes at least 6 months for the cells to come back so missing one or two treatments will make little difference.

Thanks for that, it’s something I didn’t realise.

Good stuff. Best wishes.