What and how to trust the Keytruda is the right drug

[Lady1958]

I have stage IV Lung Cancer and found out when a tumor showed up on my Left hip and could not walk. It was tested and was (+) for cancer which spread from my lung. What is really sad because my Lung doctor keep telling me I did not have cancer. Needless to say I no longer have that doctor. I did 10 rounds of radiation on my hip and now I'm doing keytruda. Monday I'm going to go get a CT scan and do my infusion I hope after hours of treatment and testing they can come back with good news. Some days I get really depressed and cry at the smallest things. Trying to keep the strength up and fight this so I set things to do to get better. I pray everyday and thank the Dear Lord for giving me another day.

Thank you for helping me understand.

Lady1958

[Cockailschemocancer]

Sorry to read this. It’s ok to have bad days and cry. It can all be very overwhelming. I notice your in the US so not sure how easy it is to get, but I would recommend counselling and sone meds to help you when you have down days if you feel your not coping. I’ve dove both and it’s helped. It’s different for everyone but I hope some of the little things in life you can enjoy whilst going through treatment.

[Lady1958 in reply to Cockailschemocancer]

Thank you for your uplifting thoughts. Right now it seems to be more bad days than good. Yesterday I called everybody I used to work with just to hear their voice. It help some but them started missing all of them and the tears started to flow. I go Monday for the full body scan and have been praying ever since then

[Cockailschemocancer in reply to Lady1958]

Good Luck for Monday. You’ve got this and it’s ok to cry it’s a scary time. Hang on in there. Positive thoughts for you.

[JanetteR57]

well done for sharing your feelings on here for some support. it can be a lot to deal with - do you have any support network - friends, family, faith group or healthcare professional? Roy Castle lung cancer foundation and Macmillan both run nurse led helplines for those who want to chat to somebody about their concerns. Well done for so far having your radiotherapy and now keytruda. Nobody can predict how they will react to the news, treatment or general sick of a diagnosis so don't worry about being any sort of burden to anyone. good luck with your treatment. thinking of you.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi,

Your feelings are perfectly understandable.Hopefully you will respond well to your treatment. Whilst we would be happy to speak to you (0800 358 7200). I have given you a link to the American cancer society website which may be more relevant if you are in the USA. It also includes a helpline where you can also get telephone support. from a nurse or a live chat if you would prefer.

cancer.org/

Kind regards,

All the support team at the Roy Castle Helpline

[Elt79]

Ah bless you - totally understand your feelings. I was diagnosed with stage IV NSCLC with brain and adrenal mets in October 2018. My prognosis was very poor! I was in a very dark place at that time.

However am still here and very positive! I had steriotatic radiosurgery which dealt with my 2 brain tumours and have been having Keytruda since November 2018, initially 200mg every 3 weeks then last October moved to 6 weekly double dose. My first scan after 4 infusions showed a significant reduction in my tumour size. The treatment, unlike chemo, only takes 45minutes. I arrive at 8am and on my way home by 9am most days.

Immunotherapy is definitely changing outcomes for lung and many other cancers. I have been fortunate to have manageable side effects (some itching and upset tummy for a couple of days after infusion).

It is natural and ok to feel down, I still have those days too. I hope my experience so far helps you. I wish you the very best of luck for next Monday. Stay strong and positive x

[Lady1958 in reply to Elt79]

Thank you so very much it does make me feel better knowing that keytruda is a drug that people think so highly of. I think the unknown is the worst thing for me not knowing from one day to the next is the cancer is bigger and if it is getting smaller. Trying to keep x positive on Monday.

Thank you again and prayers goes with you also.

[Elt79]

❤️