Chemo/Keytruda

[cdidion]

My dad will start chemo and keytruda on Friday. Any tips on what to expect? Will he be up for driving home? Does he get to eat during this? Any info or tips would be appreciated 😊😊😊

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

The first day of chemo is usually a long one because they go slow to watch for allergic reaction.

For my chemo days, I kept a bag well stocked with snack bars, fruit, a sandwich, soft drinks, Boost or Ensure, a book, crossword puzzles, and a notebook computer. I seem to remember being there about 6 hours. In part because they had to wait on blood test results before they could start.

Not having had Keytruda there's nothing I can add to help with that. Just glad it's an option for him now.

And, yes, if he tolerates the chemo well he can drive but it would be a great idea to be there with him the first day to be sure.

[cdidion in reply to Denzie]

Thank you Denzie. Great information. My mom and I plan on being with him.

[Momsavior17]

My mom is on Keytruda and her first infusion was about 2 hours. She was fine to eat and drink and the side effects of the treatment didn't effect her until the next day. I believe some people have different or worse side effects but the main one is tiredness and nausea.

[cdidion in reply to Momsavior17]

Thank you.

[midtown711]

Best wishes to your dad!

Brian

[cdidion in reply to midtown711]

Thank you!!!! 😊😊😊

[ThePurplePlace]

I drive myself to all my infusion appointments and have always felt fine. (My hubby takes vacation time to take to me any long distance appointments or anything where I'm not allowed to drive), but I want to "save" the rest of his "vacation time" for fun times and getaways etc. Plus, I am very independent and self sufficient and being able to take myself makes me feel better (more normal, if that makes sense).

I have a "Chemo Tote Bag" that I brought to every treatment, full of things to keep me busy I also bring my Ipad or laptop. At my center each patient has their own TV with Headphones and they offer us blankets and pillows. They also have a menu and we order our breakfast (and sometimes lunch) when we arrive. Not all centers do have food, so be sure you bring something (or check before he goes the first time). I also pack bottled water and a protein bar or snack, just in case I felt hungry. The infusion chairs are quite comfy and can recline, they are some people nap and sleep during the infusions, and some who watch TV, while others bring things to keep themselves busy. You can also get up and walk around a but to use the restroom etc. He'll have an IV type pole to take with him and the nurses will assist him, if needed too.

When I first started I was on two chemo meds, so those visits were much longer 4-6 hours , if I remember right, one bag took 3 hours and the other was another hour or so. The first visit was the longest as they are watching for any potential issues and will be providing him with a lot of information. I did fine and had no issues with any of my infusions. Later, I moved on to Immunotherapy (Opdivo) and that was much quicker, I was in and out in about 2 hours and that included a visit with my Oncologist prior to each infusion. I also always went in a day earlier to have my labs done and that way the results were all set and it never delayed my treatment. They also gave me lots of data on the medications I was being given and I had a checklist of potential side effects and things to watch for. I also met with a Nutritionist and they also offered other services. I really love my Oncologist and all the nurses and staff at my center and feel very comfortable there.

I did very well with all my treaments and if I did develop any side effects it was typically a few days later. Over time I got to know what days would be the harder days and did not make any plans for those days. Immunotherapy for me, was easier than Chemo, but we are all different. All treatments tend to have cumulative effects, so the longer you are on treament, the harder and more tiring it can be. I'm very happy to now be stable and off all treatments. I go in for port flushes and labs every six weeks and have CT Scans every 90 days! I have Stage IV NSCLC and am doing well -- diagnosed in March of 2015.

Best wishes to your Dad -- hope he does great !

~Lisa

[cdidion in reply to ThePurplePlace]

Thanks for the info and best wishes to you!!!

[GMC1]

The only thing that happens to my husband after Keytruda is his arms bruise, as tho he had a bad hit to them. I guess it thins his blood. One more treTment, the 4th before he has a pet scan. Then our move to Vegas. Will write new Vegas friends as he has appointment with Dr. V. On the 16th. This has been a busy, busy time and hard to find a place there as they sell as fast as they go on market.

[pmsusan99]

Pmsusan

Drive I don't know, have a 2nd driver on hand. Eating is fine as long body holds food. Expect anything, fAtigue, itches,rashes, appetite loss, headaches and more. Lots of sleep. I take immunotherapy w keytruda. All of the above effected me and more. It a day to day issue. Generally 2nd driver w be best option and safest.

Good Luck! Wishing dad and family the best!