Non-hodgkin's Lymphoma Support Group

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer arising from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. It is so called because of its distinction from Hodgkin's disease, a particular subtype of lymphoma. It is in fact an overarching term of many different forms of lymphoma, each with individual characteristics. Most cases start with infiltration of lymph nodes, but specific...

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dhitter 04/02/2011

I have read many different discussions here on the different treatments that have been used and I am curious why Rituxan would not be the very first choice of treatment for non-hodgkins. Chemo/R-CHOP/CVP is very toxic to the body and while it is killing cancer cells, it is also killing good immune cells also. After the treatment is done you may have no immune system left to fight cancer if it comes back, and it may come back alot faster than your good immune system cells which would put you at a very dangerous disadvantage. The side effects of chemo can last a long time if not permanent. Rituxan is specifically designed to attack only cancer cells and do not hurt your immune system. The treatments are easier, a lot less side effects, and have proven to put some in remission. Maintenance therapy with Rituxan is also shown to be very effective. I share this with everyone to get feedback but also to remind some others that there may be a better option that the one their doctor is recommending. My uncle had non-hodgkins and he lost his battle due to the heavy doses of chemotherapy that made his body too weak to recover. I will not make that same mistake. Knowledge is power and i hope this helps someone make better treatment choices. I am personally on watch and wait as long as possible but would do Rituxan alone for my first treatment. I have non-hodgkins follicular b-cell stage 4 indolent lymphoma.

lexisgirl 04/02/2011

As you know, I did just Rituxan for my treatment. I've done two series and have been in remission almost 6 years. I was scheduled to do CHOPR but right before we started (like days before), my doctor changed his mind and suggested Rituxan alone. This allowed me to continue to work. I also had a 6 year old son (I'm a single mother). It allowed me to continue to be there for my son without significant illness the CHOP R would have given me. At the time, CHOP R was the standard treatment for my kind of NHL.

I don't know what makes one treatment better than another. When I started my NHL journey (in 9/03), Rituxan was still pretty new. Since then, it has proven to be very effective in managing indolent NHL. I know cost can be a consideration. If insurance won't pay Rituxan, CHOP R is a viable option. I was very lucky it was covered by my insurance. When I last did Rituxan, it was $13,000 a week. Not something many can pay out of pocket.

I will be interested to hear other's stories of how their treatment plan was determined. I have Indolent (small cell) follicular B cell NHL, stage 4.

deleted_user 04/04/2011

First off good thoughts during your health journey

I was diagnosed with NHL in november 2000, just a few weeks before my 49th birthday. I did the CNOP protocol rather than CHOP. The first treatment really knocked me around and i ended up with pneumonia,but with just a little delay before I had the next dose, I got thru it.
This november I will be sixty - I have been cancer free since then..
For me chemo gave me an added bonus,,as a long term lupus sufferer the immune suppressant chemo drugs gave me a whole year off lupus meds-yeehaa.

I am glad that there are new treatments now and that people have more choice

deleted_user 04/07/2011

Rituxan alone was not a treatment option for me-diagnosed NHL Large, B Cell, Stage 3 April 2010- 8 rounds of CHOP with Rituxan- clear scans November 2010 and February 2011-

I worry about the long term impact of CHOP sometimes, but really try to stay focused on the here and now. When I was diagnosed I was really very sick... and the cancer was growing quite fast... I was at a wonderful institution... and R-CHOP appeared to be the best choice.

Not sure this helps the conversation or not... I do consider myself blessed and am grateful each day.

Good energy to you-

deleted_user 04/30/2011

I have learned how varied and individual the treatment for NHL can be. Each person needs to find a physician they trust; do the research; talk with others who have walked the same walk; pray; and make a decision. My husband did R-CHOP and surprisingly- had very few side effects. He is presently cancer free. That may not be the best decsion for others. There is so much still to be learned in cancer research. I think we can share our experiences, and support the decisions others make. The care and support of our friends who journey along with us- keeps us strong. If we start on a path which doesn't work, we can still make a change. Every day has new hope and promise. Do the best you can, and trust God to do the rest.

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