I just finished my 36th infusion of Keytruda. I have decided to take a break
for three months and see how that goes. Had anyone here taken a break from treatment and then returned to treatment? I've done it twice before in the last 14 years. But I have never quit Keytruda before. Any advice?
I would be curious what your oncologist thinks about this idea.
Hi Tom,
My oncologist was using this treatment as a hail mary for my Small Cell and he asked if I wanted to quit it last year. I said "no , not really" . I will stop when and if side effects were interfering with quality of life. So he said " do what's right for you, I can put you back on it if you show progression again." So that puts it all on me LOL
H hello,
My name is Kathy and I was on Keytruda for two years, 35 treatments. It was recommended I stop because the last six scans didn’t show tumor shrinkage. Keytruda eliminated multiple tumors in my lungs and lymph nodes. Yet, I had one remaining tumor in right lung, however it was very active.
I sought a second opinion at Duke in Durham, NC. All oncologists recommended that Keytruda did as much as it was going to do and it was time to stop. They said continuing treatment could possibly create other issues in the future.
My options were a lobectomy or steriostatic radiation. I chose radiation and received five treatments ending in late July, 2022. My next scan is at the end of October and it is suspected that my tumor will be gone.
I wish you the best of luck and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏💕
Thank you so much for that info. We were using Ketruda off label for my Small Cell so my doctor wanted me to avoid any kidney damage. Thanks you for the prayers! (hugs))
It sounds like you're making a very careful and well-thought-out decision. It's good that your doctor is including you in decision-making, but it's also so hard when it's left to you to choose! Please keep us updated on how you're doing. Sending well wishes and positivity your way!
Just checking in on you...how are things going being off of Keytruda?
Hi Amy, I have been off treatment for 8 weeks. The surprising thing is I lost 40 lbs. My joint pain started dissipating but I will still need a knee replacement. I THINK i am doing great and will do a follow up scan in February
That sounds like really good news overall! It's good to hear that you're finding relief from joint pain. I know a knee replacement is no fun at all, but people typically feel so much better afterward. You've been on my mind and it's wonderful to hear your update! I hope you enjoy your holiday if we don't get to chat before then! 
Hello, my wife has been on Keytruda for lung cancer since September of 2022. her tumors are stable but she is having issues with her kidney's and a bought of dehydration. her doctor said that it is not Keytruda related. While on keytruda , did you have any issues concerning your Organs?
Thank you, John
Hi, I was on Keytruda for 3 yrs total. I lost a kidney (after one year of keytruda) but the doctors contributed it to a mass pressed against my uretha. I stayed on it for another 2 years so they might have been right. I think kidney probs are inherent in these treatments. Did your wife have her kidneys tested for function? (it's an ultrasound)
My dad is on Tagrisso and they are constantly checking his kidneys with blood tests every month. I have been off the meds since September 2022. I do hope they find a more suitable treatment for your wife! Prayers to you both and the rest of your family! ((hugs))
Did your wife have her kidneys tested for function?
