Hi. The treatment for my Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) started on 2nd of January 2025 at the Edinburgh Haematology Centre. The centre was opened around 2 years ago and is a fantastic facility, with art work and calming colour scheme, and it doesn’t feel clinical in any way. The treatment started once blood test results came back and I then was given pre-med of steroids and piriton by infusion through a cannula in my hand. This took around one hour.
The treatment on day one is a low dose of 100mg, given in 4 x 25mg infusions of obinutuzumab, each one lasting an hour. After each infusion, BP, pulse and temperature are checked before the next infusion starts.
The first two infusions were fine, but shortly after starting the 3rd infusion, I had a reaction - dizzy, nauseous, blurred vision and feeling faint. On pressing my alarm button, 4 nurses and a Dr attended. My BP had plummeted, so the treatment was paused and I was given fluids, lying flat with my legs held higher than my head.
I recovered after around 30 mins, was checked over again by the Dr, and the treatment was restarted, without any further incident. It seems that this is a common reaction.
I returned to the centre the following day to be given 900mg of obinutuzmab over 8 x 30mins infusions, starting on a low dose, which is increased every 30 mins, after observation are taken. Thankfully, all was fine.
All of the staff are great and the centre is a wonderful place. I was very tired when I got home and had the best sleep in weeks, probably a mixture of relief and the effect of the treatment.
I’m back in next Thursday and the following Thursday for the next lot of infusions, this time at full strength 1000mg. Then, the week after, I will be in on Thursday and Friday to start the venetoclax tablets, which might require an overnight stay.
So, cycle 1 of 6 is underway, which will take me through to the middle of May. Happy chappy, Jim