Dad w/Stage 4 Lung Cancer

[ThatChicChula]

Hello All,

New to Free to Breath though I battled cancer back in 2009 I feel like it was nothing compared to this. My dad was diagnosed September 12 of this year. This journey started with a bad cough and then a trip to the ER. He has Non Small Cell and was a candidate for KEYTRUDA, an immunotherapy. He had his first treatment on October 2 and we wound up in the ER within 2 hours with what they were saying was the flu. I’m not buying that because he was fine before the treatment. Anyone else have any experience with this treatment?

[Hidden]

Hello, welcome to the community. My Dad too was diagnosed over a year ago with Stage 4 Lung Cancer. Been lots of ups and downs. Glad you told me about this Keytruda, was going to ask about the with the Oncol at next meet.

Keep us posted on your dad.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Did this just occur? I ask because pneumonitis can occur as a result of treatment. Symptoms can resemble the respitory symptom and treatment would be the same-treatment.

[ThatChicChula in reply to Denzie]

Denzie, I did just happen. Within 2 hours of the treatment.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to ThatChicChula]

How are they treating him? Antibiotics? Steroids?

[ThatChicChula in reply to Denzie]

They treated him with antibiotics and fluids to hydrate him. His second dose of the KEYTRUDA is on the 25th.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to ThatChicChula]

I guess I'm asking/reacting out of my own response to 'pneumonia' that turned out to be pneumonitis. Antibiotics don't work on pneumonitis very well, if at all. If he's responding then I'm relieved for you both.

[ThatChicChula in reply to Denzie]

Denzie the first time he was hospitalized was due to pneumonia and that’s what led to other testing which led to the diagnosis. This last time the doctors were telling me it was the flu that landed him in the ER but when I requested the med records it stated that he did indeed have an allergic reaction to the Keytruda.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer in reply to ThatChicChula]

Good for you. You're an awesome advocate and a bright one as well. I wish every patient had someone like you on their team.

[ThatChicChula in reply to Denzie]

It helps that I work in the medical field. I’ve been an Medical Assistant and worked my way up from there. I am a Clinic Administrator and I have great providers I am able to ask questions of as well.

[jars1943]

I am a year past treatment for NSC lung cancer. At this time all my CT scams and the blood work have come back negative. I am in the process of learning to live with the damage done from the radiation and the initial surgery that damaged my left vocal cord. I now have permanent silicone implant. So far I now have a voice back. Life is good.

[SusieJo1948]

Jars1943 I,m happy for you. Keep it up. susiejo1948