Has anyone here used immunotherapy?

[missa13]

Hi everyone! Thought some of us here might be interested in this.

Cancer Support Community (used to be Gilda's Club Worldwide) is having an Immunotherapy Patient and Caregiver Summit in Philadelphia on Nov 5 and 6. Travel, meals, and lodging are free. Anyone who has undergone immunotherapy or has acted as caregiver for someone undergoing immunotherapy is invited to apply.

Participants will:

-Give feedback on current patient & caregiver education programs as well as suggestions on additional education & patient-provider communication that immunotherapy patients need

-Share your stories and experiences of how you made the decision to receive an immunotherapy treatment.

-Consider sharing parts of your stories and experiences with future patients via video, photographs and/or writing

You can apply here: cancersupportcommunity.org/...

[Supernurse]

What exactly is immunotherapy

[missa13]

Hi Supernurse ! Immunotherapy is treating or preventing diseases with substances that stimulate the body’s natural immune system.

According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, "Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body's own natural defenses to fight cancer. White blood cells (T cells) that make up the immune system can be stimulated in several ways by specially designed drugs that allow them to recognize and kill cancer cells."

[Terrified24-7]

Dang! If I had known then what I know now, I would have loved to have gone. How was it? Is immunotherapy becoming more accessible outside of clinical trials? I searched clinicaltrials.gov but couldn't find any current trials.

[Aire]

Hi Fighting Sisters,

I am my second treatment of “Immunotherapy”. My first experience was used when I developed a tumor in my bladder. The tumor was removed, followed by BCG installations. After the installations I had no pain or other symptoms or following tumors. It worked very well for me.

My next “Immunotherpy” that I just started in June is a combination of chemo and immunotherapy from what I have been able to find out. Unfortunately due to moving and not scanned on time it is too soon to tell how well it is working. This drug is Keytruda. I had an infusion on Wednesday and so far I’m a little tired. My last infusion gave me the rash that goes along with this drug. Maybe I won’t get it this time!

I have found a good oncologist who is very thorough and has my records from my previous oncologist. After a week of scans and blood work and reviewing my PET scan I feel we are on track. He is on track with my previous onc, as to how to treat the lung metastasis.

I am wishing each and every one of you blessings and strength during you treatments.