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Fir those with mantle cell lymphoma, I'm curious on your post remission surveillance plans. I'm doing rituxan every 2 months for 2-3 years.

A MyLymphomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Pewaukee, WI

I've been lucky enough to be considered complete remission but they say there is no plan for scans. I don't have B symptoms and my labs didn't show anything abnormal and I was dx'd with stage 4 MCL. I'm curious what other people's post remission plan looks like.

April 6
 · 
Reactions
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

That's the same way I feel, since the scans are the only way mine was found. It would give me peace of mind. They're not willing to commit to a scan yet. We'll just have to see what happens. Thanks your your response. It's helpful to hear from others going through the same thing.

April 8
A MyLymphomaTeam Member

Maureen I am on the same program Rituxan every other month until next January.
Luckily I am not having any major issues other than fatigue. I get my next scan in June and hopefully those cells are still dormant. After next January I think i would welcome a scan every 6 months just for my own peace of mind

April 8
MyLymphomaTeam

What do post-remission surveillance plans look like for others with mantle cell lymphoma?

Congratulations on achieving complete remission! Your maintenance plan with Rituxan every 2 months for 2-3 years is actually a common approach for MCL.

Regarding scans during remission, the approach can vary. Some oncologists use Show Full Answer

What do post-remission surveillance plans look like for others with mantle cell lymphoma?

Congratulations on achieving complete remission! Your maintenance plan with Rituxan every 2 months for 2-3 years is actually a common approach for MCL.

Regarding scans during remission, the approach can vary. Some oncologists use periodic CT scans during watch-and-wait periods or remission to monitor the condition, while others rely more heavily on clinical symptoms and lab work, especially when you're not showing B symptoms and your labs are normal.

The lack of scheduled scans isn't unusual if you're:
- Feeling well without B symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss)
- Having normal blood work
- On maintenance therapy

Many people with MCL find the scan-free approach less stressful, though some prefer the reassurance of imaging. Studies show that scans during remission can actually provoke anxiety about disease recurrence.

Your surveillance likely includes:
- Regular follow-up appointments with your oncologist
- Routine blood work to monitor cell counts
- Physical exams to check for enlarged lymph nodes
- Prompt evaluation if any new symptoms develop

If you're feeling uncertain about your surveillance plan, it's completely reasonable to discuss your concerns with your oncologist. They can explain their specific reasoning and whether adding scans would be beneficial in your case.

April 6

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