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Unanswered questions: immunotherapy for lung cancer
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Jan 7 6:49pm | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
UPDATE
Since this is the last week of chemo and radiation, I will see the new doctor again in 6 weeks. During that time I will have labs in 4 weeks and during the 2 weeks following I will have a MRI on my brain. But what I’m concerned and undecided about is the immunotherapy and the possibility of brain radiation. The medicine that will be used for the immunotherapy is Durvalumab Injection (IV). Dr. Farooq stated I would “not” have any of the side affects that I had from the chemo (paper work on the medication contradicts this) along with the research on Mayo Clinic. Doctor said during our visit yesterday said the side affects are extremely rare. I’m concerned that this isn’t the true case. I have major problems just with just the chemo (2 hospital stays and 4 ER visits). Doc said I would have this therapy once a month for 2 years. I don’t want to worry about the brain radiation since it’s not definite yet but can’t help but worry. I don’t think I would go through that if it comes back I need it. It would depend on where the cancer is and how bad.
I’m hoping for any feedback on the Durvalumab. Doc said that is the “only” medication for my type of cancer. I’m wondering just how rare the side affects and damage to organs really are. They already have this scheduled to start on January 6, 2025.
Any feedback back will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Frandy
Replies to "UPDATE Since this is the last week of chemo and radiation, I will see the new..."
@frandy, I'm not sure that I'm much help other than to let you know that you are not alone. Treatment decisions like these are difficult.
Here are a few comments, from @nonobaddog about Durvalumab/Imfinzi that you may not have seen. It looks like they did experience a thyroid issue but also had success in treatment.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/810515/
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/860477/
I’ve recently had 4 Durvalumab infusion treatments. I didn’t experience any concerning side effects, totally different than chemo. Unfortunately, I was just informed last week that it’s not working. Onto something else. Also, regarding the brain surgery, it depends on size & location. I had gamma knife surgery for a cancer cell in my brain, & it wasn’t as bad as the fears I had built up. There were 4 mere puncture points & they didn’t penetrate to the brain.
Fear seems to be a big issue with cancer & all the new & numerous treatments. It’s understandable & I would say we all have it. I try to do some research, but that can be hard to understand it all. I don’t know how some of the people who post about finding all the clinical trials & the best treatments for themselves, find the energy & focus to do that much though. I envy & applaud them. Hope it goes well.
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I was diagnosed with Stage 3 unresectable squamous NSLC in later 2023 After 6-week treatments of radiation (5/week) and chemo (1/month), I was prescribed and am almost done with 1 year of durvalumab (Imfimzi) infusions (2/month)
I have not had any major side effects except some fatigue and shortness of breath. I did get a case of pneumonitis early on in the treatments but the doctor thinks this was from the radiation.
So far the treatments seem to be working but too early to tell. I get CTs every 3 mos
Hope this helps