Update on Mia & Rituxan

I just wanted to let people know how this went. We had such trepidation heading into treating Mia with rituxan -- which we did at about the 1 year mark and after a period where her platelets were staying down in the single digits.

The 4 treatments were without incident -- a huge relief. We had done 3 rounds of Ivig previously and twice Mia had allergic reactions to the ivig that landed her back in the hosptial, ct scan etc. Rituxan, for all the warnings about it, was for Mia totally uneventful.

We are now 10 days out from her 4th and last treatments. Platelets today are a mind-boggling 204. We are all completely undone. I know it doesn't work for every person, and we are aware a number like this may or may not last -- but we are grateful for today and that we went ahead with the Rituxan despite our qualms.

Such a hard disease to know what are the best choices at each turning point. I practiced Zen Buddhism for years and am now a fairly observent Jew -- but I'll tell you: ITP has been the greatest and toughest spiritual teacher in my life. A hard load for kids. I'm sending prayers to everyone for high platelets. (and a prayer that Mia's last....)

That's fantastic! I know that using Rituxan is a hard decision to make, but when it works, it works! That is a great response and should last a while.

Great news!!!

New numbers -- 6 weeks out and Mia was at 183. Still feels hard to believe. We are living day to day!

Part of me hesitates to post this -- I know so many others are struggling for higher platelets, that 20 would be nice -- we were there not long ago. but I also want to give hope that sometimes something can work -- if even for a little while. Ivig was a nightmare, Anti-D didn't work, Prednisone made my daughter nuts -- but Rituxan (of which we were so scared going in) was a breeze and appears to be working.

Prayers of high platelets for all.
Firkins

Those are great results! You must be so relieved!!!

It's funny how worked up everyone gets about the Ritux treatment before they have them and how easy they are for most. I had many a sleepless night in anticipation of my husband's Ritux treatments and we both actually looked forward to them after the first one. He got to nap and I watched chick flicks on our iPad! His nurses were amazing! It was a much, much easier treatment than anticipated!

FX that your daughter's counts stay up!

So very happy for you!! That is amazing news

Prayers for high platelets for all indeed. I'm glad to see she had a positive response. I am contemplating this treatment for my son but have not yet decided to go forward.