Mesothelioma

[wishfullthinking]

Hi everyone, I wonder if anyone else is going through treatment for Mesothelioma with a trial drug Keytruda. My partner is due to start treatment and I wondered if anyone could give us any information as to how they responded, good or bad.

[ThatChicChula]

My dad has had two treatments of KEYTRUDA. The first time we ended up in the ER. Second one was a bit more successful with them giving Tylenol prior to the treatment to keep him from developing a fever. His skin is leather like since beginning this treatment.

[wishfullthinking in reply to ThatChicChula]

Hi, thanks for your reply. We have just bee told that my partner is going to try Nivolumab and not Keytruda but I assume they are very similar. Unfortunately, he is having to pay for the treatment himself and it is very very expensive as he cant get it on the NHS for his condition (mesothelioma). Hoping to start in a couple of weeks time.

I hope your Dad does well, please let us know how he gets on.

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

I’ve no experience with this but I’m very interested in hearing how your partner does. My dad and his brother both passed from mesothelioma and it doesn’t get the research money it deserves. (IMHO).

[wishfullthinking in reply to Denzie]

Hi, thank you for your reply. So sorry to hear about your Dad and brother, how sad and absolutely devastating for you. I can not imagine what you have had to go through. As mentioned above, my partner is starting treatment soon on Nivolumab not Keytruda. I will try and update once the treatment starts.

I agree with you regarding the research etc. My partner is having to fund his own treatment as the drug is not available for Mesothelioma patients and costs an absolute fortune, but we have to give it a try.

Best Wishes.

[FtB_Peggy]

Wishfullthinking,

Forgive me if your partner has already tried this - you can go to: bmsaccesssupport.bmscustome...

There you will find an enrollment form (your partner and his doctor complete it - you can speak to his nurse navigator or his doctor about this). I spoke with the support person at Bristol Myers and she said there were several options that might very well work to get your partner help. You can call there - they are very helpful 1.800.861.0048. Again, forgive me if you have already done this.

Please keep in touch.

[wishfullthinking in reply to FtB_Peggy]

Hi Peggy, thank you for your email, I didn't mention before but we live in the UK, but I appreciate your help.