Dear All, I am about to start Keytruda as my blood tests shows mismatched repair deficiency for which immunotherapy is advised. I have chronic asthma and so am really scared that the treatment may harm my lungs. I have read that keytruda can have bad side effects. Since in my case chemo has not worked I have run out of options. Please let me know if any of you have had keytruda and what was your experience.
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I have been doing Keytruda for 5 months now. I’ve had the same concerns, missing part of a lung and colon. I too have asthma and mild copd. So far, no complications. I get treated every 3 weeks. The first week after, kinda tired. I had some initial rough skin patches that itched a little. In comparison to the chemo for lung cancer and for colon cancer, it’s been a breeze. Good luck and God bless!!
Good to hear this. I feel better.
Are you allowed to go shopping or for a movie? Is being near people who have a cold a problem? I mean is life more normal compared to the chemo phase when one needs to be very very careful.
No such warnings so far. My doctors big concern is that my body can turn on itself. The oncologist said it’s usually reversable if we get right on it!
I was on a different Immunotherapy drug (Opdivo) and had excellent results. I'm now in remission with stage 4 non small-cell lung cancer and have been off all treatments for over 3 years.
Be cautious if you develop any side effects and be sure to report them right away. Most people feel it's easier than chemo. I did develop low grade pneumonitis, which they found on routine CT scans. I never had any symptoms, but it would typically be a new or worsening cough, SOB and chest pain. Mine was mind and did not require treatment. however after having it occurred two more times they ultimately decided to stop the opdivo because they didn't want to risk becoming serious no, thankfully by then I was stable and have been ever since and now I'm in remission and have been off treatment for over 3 years.
You'll be given a long list of the potential side effects and instrucyed when to call in should any of them occur. I know several people have been on immunotherapy who did quite well for many many months and are now stable or in remission, when these drugs work they are amazing. I hope you'll be an excellent responder without any problems.
Best wishes
Lisa
Thanks Lisa for your encouraging words. I really need to hear this now. My chemo did not work and it kind of left me very demotivated. I am a single mom and need to be around for my kid. Life has taken an unexpected turn but I will fight this with everything I have.
Sending hope that this works. And that your fears are never realized.
I've been on keytruda for 11 months now with very minor side effects (itching. Coughing, fatigue ) an really fantastic results. I hope it works just as well for you too!
I hope you will reach out for palliative care to be part of your team. I say this because while on any med if something new pops up like some irritation here or there, or some slight something or another comes up you have someone to call and run it by. Do not rely on your own mind to determine if something is a side effect or “just a little fatigue “ or just seasonal allergies, and write it off. Bottom line, don’t tell yourself to grin & bear it since you’re on chemo. Tell it to some medical person
I am on Keytruda, not for my lung cancer, but for colon. I have asthma and COPD. To date I’ve had 11 treatments. My dr has warned me to be mindful of the side affects. So far only mild nausea, fatigue, and joint pain. I know everyone is different. Chemo seemed to take care of my lung cancer, but even after surgery and chemo, my coloncancer came back in my lymph nodes. All and all the Keytruda has been a good experience. Good luck!
hi, I started Keytruda recently. I've had two treatments. Certainly some fatigue but I consider it my body healing. I've had some nausea but eat smaller and less bulky meals which helps. I do have shortness of breath but have a large tumor in my right lung. I've also read that sometimes when the immune system is triggered it could cause a little inflammation but it will settle down. So far, it's tolerable and I'm thinking positive. I wish you the best of luck and will keep all of you in my prayers.
I have had 50 infusions over 5 years and saved my life for stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer..I have had exceptional quality of life in complete Durable Clinical Remission NED.. treatment emergent side affects are Adrenal Insufficiency, controlled with prednisone, eyesite issues, other than that lucky to be alive when all else failed.
I have been on keytruda for a bit now so far so good
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Keytruda & frequent infections 
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