I agree with everyone that they start slowly to make sure you are tolerating the drug well; lots of blood pressure checks.

The nurses at my clinic are the most amazing people. They never want to hurt you. When I was scared to death, they all told me what they were doing, and why, every step of the way.

When I started this process, I opted not to have a port installed, so the first time was more difficult. Again, after learning more, I did get a port installed. I wrote in my blog that whoever invented the port, should have won a Nobel prize. Anyway, lesson learned.

At my clinic, they have drinks (I asked for wine - ha), snacks and cozy warm blankets. I did bring a book and my Ipad.

I'm thankful and lucky that I didn't have many side effects from chemo and immunotherapy. They gave me benedryl and steroids. When I came home, I showered, ate, and slept for about three hours because I was drugged. The steroids interfered with sleep the first night after chemo.

Sorry this is a bit long-winded, but I hope you have a good experience for a crappy event.

Prep time. The infusion itself shouldn't take that long. The zofran takes 15 or 30 or 45 minutes depends on drip time. Then you have to take all the premeds and let the kick in then the rituxan. Rituxan is a strong med on the stomach

I'm doing the Rituxan belly shot for two years of maintenance to hopefully stay in remission for a long time. The six minute shot is a breeze compared to hours of infusion, don't you think ?

Cassandra - I have Follicular Lymphoma (now in remission-yay). My chemo was six and a half hours. Then the next day I would have to go in for spinal chemo. Followed by 24 hrs. flat on my back. It was tough. I was staged at 4. It was everywhere. BUT four months of hell put me in remission so it was worth it. I know it is incurable and will be back but I’m sure enjoying everyday right now! 💃💃💃

Depends how fast it can be poured in. I was allergic to Rituxan/Rituximaub
So on average my chemo took 8 hours on "slow drip"