Keytruda

[lovey100]

Thursday 12 days ago I did my fourth keytruda along with my last chemo round of Altima and carbo and it’s been 12 days, I am weak, and can’t stand too long, is this normal to be this weak, how and when do I return to strength????

[Hidden]

Hi ,I have had this regime too ,at this point you will feel rubbish but over the next few months very slowly things will improve .One way or the other your body has been hammered and that's why you are so weak .I have continued on Keytruda with few problems and after about 4 months I started to pick up .My advice would be take it slow eat well and only do what pleases you and obviously keep moving in short bursts you don't want to lose mobility .I felt completely washed out if you haven't had your bloods checked for thyroid irregularities ask them to do that .My thyroid just stopped working properly that makes you feel awful too.I now take levothyroxine which has solved the problem .Diane .Good luck hope you feel better soon and take care

[lovey100 in reply to Hidden]

My thyroid also quit working and I am on the same meds as you for theirs 25 mg and I go back to work Friday so I’ll rest but make it work and today CT scan to make sure all 4 rounds worked on my tumor and it’s gone thanks

[Hidden in reply to lovey100]

Hi just a thought is it mg or mcg your taking ,it may need reviewing with your doctor ,if it is mcg rather than mg .Are you able to put off work for another couple of weeks ,I know life in the world of work is not easy but it would help .Either way good luck and feel better soon .Diane .

[lovey100 in reply to Hidden]

No cause I was laid off and have to back Friday and I was off a year so I gotta go! I’ll take it easy. Did my last CT today to see after 4 rounds in end up NED

[Hidden in reply to lovey100]

Life is challenging ,but I hope all goes well .Diane

[Jenniferroseolson]

The carboplatin is likely what is making you so miserable. The alimta alone wasn’t as bad for me. I’m glad to hear this is your last treatment with those two since you will surely and slowly feel better once those clear your system. The word “fatigue” just oversimplifies what you are experiencing. Another friend once described it to me as this: you could be dying of thirst, but the glass of water on the bedside table is too heavy to pick up to put to your mouth. I thought that was more accurate than “fatigue.” Rest, try to allow yourself the grace to just get through each day without tackling all the tasks that are “waiting for you.” I believe you will start to feel better soon.

[Ollie13]

Hi sorry to hear your not feeling to great. The advice and help on here is fantastic from others. I have not been on the same regime as you only keytruda so check out my profile i have been very lucky as it worked for me with a couple of hiccups on the way. I wish you well and stay positive the new treatments can work wonders. Stay safe and well. xx

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

By the time I finished chemo, I was too week to walk up the 2 stairs into my house without help and a break after the first step. The break took me several minutes. I had cisplatin with concurrent radiation which is harsher than carboplatin so my recovery was tough. It took a month or so before I started feeling better.

The more you make yourself walk the faster you’ll find you come back. It sounds counterintuitive but it’s true- the more you walk, the faster you’ll get energy back. I’ve been walking in 5K lung cancer fundraisers since my 3rd year in recovery. I always come in last but I always make it.

I mentioned exercise. Donna Wilson is a physical therapist who works with lung cancer patients at Memorial Slone Kettering. Her seated exercises helped me a lot. Especially the Strong Legs Support Breathing one.

youtube.com/playlist?list=P...

[lovey100 in reply to Denzie]

Thanks, I’m so weak I’ll try