Lunch CA

[1973Ren]

Hi All strong and keeping up the fight I wanted to check has hand body have experience on THE IMMUNOTHERYPY DRIP and how effective it is

[Cosmic54]

morning I had Keytruda immunotherapy for 2 years I had a few side effects which can be sorted out easily …

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello 1973 Ren,

So sorry to hear about your cancer and IV immunotherapy treatment. This must be a difficult time for you. I hope some members of this forum will share their experiences of this with you, like Cosmic 54 has.

Generally speaking IV Immunotherapy is given over 30-90 minutes through a vein usually in the arm. You would probably receive a dose every 2-3 weeks for a few months depending on your response. It is given to help your immune system fight cancer. Side effects do vary and can include chills, constipation, cough, and flu like symptoms. These symptoms can often be managed but not everyone is suitable to have IV Immunotherapy. You might find some of the information on these links helpful.

roycastle.org/app/uploads/2...

cancer.gov/about-cancer/tre...

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

webmd.com/cancer/immunother...

All of our Roy Castle information leaflets are available here: Lung cancer booklets are available here: roycastle.org/help-and-supp...

These include information on living with cancer, treatments, managing symptoms and travel and holiday insurance.

Support is also available, we have a range of support services, from one to one support to online support groups through zoom , if you are interested in any of these you can register through this link: roycastle.org/help-and-supp... Or by emailing [e-mail]

I hope some of this is helpful Ren but if there is anything else you would like to discuss you can email ask the nurse at [e-mail] or call our free phone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200 Monday to Thursday 0900-1700 and Friday 0900-1600.

Wishing you all the best

The Roy Castle Support Team

[1973Ren]

Hi there

Thank you very much

Did it work

How is your condition now

Also tell me how did it affect your other organs

Due to me having 3 other chemo done my kidneys and liver function is now worrying me

Currently Dr said the kidney function is 40%

The CA has moved to my liver so I'm not sure I just know and hoping that once I start treatment all will be fine

By the grace of God

Take care

[Elt79]

Hi I was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC with brain and adrenal mets in 2018 had two years of Pembrolizumab until November 2020, also SRS for brain tumours twice. I had minimal allergy side effects mainly skin itching and hay fever type issues. I have been NED since that time monitored by MRI and CT 6 monthly. I had thought side effects would go however they haven’t and have experienced worsening skin issues, hadn’t realised they can remain and develop after ending treatment. However I am so so fortunate to be here 5.5 years on as I had very poor prognosis, Wishing you all the best with your treatment x

[58trinity in reply to Elt79]

Interesting you mentioned hayfever like symptoms, I am into my 15 month of treatment with pembrolisumab, I was told that it was not one of the side effects of my treatment and they sent me off to ent dept, after about 8 months of treatment my nose has continued to drip watery discharge also a sore throat. Can I ask you if that was similar to yours and what they prescribed to cure it, if indeed they did.

[Elt79 in reply to 58trinity]

Hi - to be honest I too was told similar however have communicated with lots of other patients online who experience same issues! I was prescribed Fexofenadine 180mg which I have taken daily for years - think it helps ease a bit but has never gone away, so many others experience the same symptoms I’m sure it is a side effect - too many of us have experienced the symptoms for it not to be related in my view. Good luck x

[ConnectRoyCastle Administrator Roy Castle]

Hi 1973Ren,

i am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and you have some good comments. I just came on to let you know that our Chemo/Immunotherapy online group is starting at the beginning off June and maybe a great way to connect.. get in touch if it is of interest. I wish you all the best going forward,

Ellen

[e-mail]