Opdivo vs katruda?

[GMC1]

My husband has stage 4 nsc lung cancer. Diagnosed in 2011. He first had proton radiation therapy but mass was behind his heart so they didn't get it all. He had 2 Opdivo last year but got bilateral pneumonia and blood clots in his lung. He survived but had a hard time of it. Pet showed reduction because of Opdivo. That was a year ago and area has enlargedand gone to other lung so he starts Ketruda in a couple of days. We are better prepared for side effects this time. He went on healthy diet and lost over 60 lbs. no pain, persistent cough (COPD or cancer ?)recently occasionally blood tinged.

I loved reading positive experiences and we are expecting the best experience we could hope far, his new doctor is very encouraging since he looks great and no pain.

GMC1

[ThePurplePlace]

I also have Stage IV NSCLC (diagnosed 3/27/15) -and was treated with Opdivo last year and had very positive results, (currently Stable). I did also have to deal with some of the commonly known side effects (fatigue, nausea and low grade pneumonitis, which was the most serious). They stopped my Opdivo last August after I developed the Pneumonitis for a third time (always asymptomatic and found only on routine Scans). The good news is even though I have not had any Infusions since 8/31/16 - it has continued to work for me for almost 11 months now. I have not developed any new nodes/tumors and my one remaining lung tumor is very tiny (at this time my Onc feels it's likely just a tiny bit of remaining scar tissue). I still go in monthly for Port Flushes/Labs and have CT Scans every three months and MRI's yearly (for a former brain met which has now been clear for over 2 years thank to Cyberknife. I for one, am very pleased the Immunotherpay and do hope the Keytruda will work as well for your husband and not cause him any significant side effects.

Best wishes,

Lisa

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to ThePurplePlace]

Lisa, this is all very exciting. I'm so glad to read about the continued results despite not having treatment. This is a phenomenon I've read about and heard addressed by clinicians at educational seminars. It's the coolest thing. I hope that continues for as many years/decades as you wish.

[ThePurplePlace in reply to Denzie]

Thanks Denzie - I am pretty excited too and feel very fortunate. I do wish we would figure out "why" it works so well for me, and make it work this way for everyone? My Onc almost seems a bit "bewildered" by my results, but is also very happy. The downside is that because I kept developing "low grade Pneumonitis, he's skeptical about me going back on Opdivo, if/when I have any progression. I HOPE I won't need to make that decision for a very long time! I'm free for now and so happy to have this time with my new grand-daughter -- she's my first grandchild and has added a whole new LOVE in my life and given more even more reason to fight hard!!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to ThePurplePlace]

Well do I understand your feelings. I often wonder why I had such a great response and others who've had adenocarcinoma but smaller tumor load don't respond to cisplatin/etopicide.

I've asked my dr about this and he has finally agreed that we could look at submitting my data and slides to learn if I qualify as an exceptional responder or a lucky woman who had a complete response.

[GMC1 in reply to ThePurplePlace]

Thank you very much for the information.

[scifiknitter Blogger]

GMC1 - kudos to your husband for doing so much to improve his overall health! I send best hopes for a good response to Keytruda. I believe that his doctor will be watching your husband carefully for lung inflammation because of what happened on Opdivo.

Anita

[GMC1 in reply to scifiknitter]

Many thanks Anita. We are staying positive and will plow thru, if necessary.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

GMC1, very sorry your husband has had this further challenge. I send hope that the Keytruda works as well or better than the opdivo. The best success story I've read for Keytruda is that if former president Jimmy Carter. Sending hope that your husband has results that equal those!

[GMC1 in reply to Denzie]

Thanks so much for your reply, fingers crossed. We are better prepared for any difficulties this time.