This is WAR

The Magic Schoolbus finds itself in Ralphie's bloodstream where it is about to get attacked by his lymphocytes, who somewhat accurately view it as a threat.

Whoa. Rituximab is INSANE. Had my first infusion today and learned more about the drug and what it does from Christina, the super-informative RN who administered it. 

[DISCLAIMER: Since I was given Benadryl to ward off any potential allergic reactions, this info has been filtered through my very sleepy brain.]

Turns out Rituximab goes after a particular kind of cell, beta lymphocytes, or B cells. The beta lymphocytes recognize (which means they remember!!!) threats and then sic’ antibodies on them, kinda like generals sending out soldiers in a war. Except that, in my case, these little generals have got it wrong and are attacking my absolutely nonthreatening muscle cells. 

So the Rituximab takes out these “smart” lymphocytes. Then, presumably, when new beta lymphocytes are created by my body, they will not have that preconceived notion that my muscle cells are a threat. Ideally the Rituximab would knock out all the misguided generals, but Christina said that's probably not going to happen. Which is why most people need another Rituximab infusion within six months of the first treatment.

The infusion took about five hours because Christina started the drip out very slowly, checking me literally every 15 minutes to make sure I wasn't showing signs of a reaction. I took work with me, thinking I'd get use the captive time to get all kinds of things done. But Benadryl happened and I dozed pretty much the whole time. 

I go back in two weeks for infusion 2.0, but because all went well today, the next infusion will go more quickly, approximately 90 minutes. After which I'm hoping for a good long period of peacetime.

This shot makes me laugh because it looks 

exactly how I felt: yay, Benadryl.

Here's that The Magic Schoolbus episode on the immune system.