Loss of appetite and fatigue after 10 weeks on Keytruda

Hello Everyone, came to this thread as I desperately search for some help regarding Keytuda induced stomach / GI issues.

So far, I had 6 Keytruda infusion (200ml) + chemo.
Post chemo, Keytruda alone about 5 infusions (full dose of 400ml).

This very last one about 3 weeks ago created a havoc on my stomach. A day after, started to experience stomach pain post meal. Managed it with home remedies like mint, carom seeds with little salt for enhanced digestion. About a week later reported to Dr. as no relief was on sight. An Rx of Prilosec (20mg for 15 days was advised stating it seems like a gastritis issue.
Took this Rx for about 13 days & 2 to go yet no relief. Matter fact, discomfort is bit more.
There is a loss of appetite, no desire to eat food. Many times just forcing (pushing food in my mouth) myself to eat a bite.
Reported my issue with update again. This time being advised on trying Reglan, an anti-nausea med that was given for 3-4 days post chemo … justification, looks like my stomach is not getting emptied quick. BTW, never had any issues eating food in large qty before.

My question, has anyone else similar issue? If yes, how did you resolve it?
Any help will greatly appreciated.

Hi Lizfuller,
I'm so sorry that you are having such problems! My husband had lung cancer. He also was taking Keytruda treatments and it nearly killed him! He got pancreatitis which is a known side effect of Keytruda. He lost weight and was down to 120 lbs! He felt dizzy, ill, had more shortness of breath. Luckily, our primary care doctor, not the cancer doctor, got my husband to the correct specialist. My husband started to improve and get better but he refused to ever get another Keytruda treatment. This made our cancer doctor unhappy since our insurance had just approved another 6 months of Keytruda. The Keytruda treatments cost $25,000 per infusion at that time. They are probably more expensive now. My husband lived 13 years with lung cancer. He died two months ago. However, I'm sure that if he had continued on with the Keytruda he would have died a lot sooner. You might want to look up the side effects of Keytruda on the Mayo Clinic website and also the side effects of any other medications you take.
I wish you the best and will say a prayer for you.
PML

Sorry for the loss of your husband. My husband has been on the same treatment for 2 months and now he cannot even talk has trouble breathing is down to about 120 lb He's 6 '2 and the Oncology told me today she feels like she's killing him and wants me to stop treatment. We did an in person appt on examination Dr said he's really hot dehydrated and she will have the nurse give in I am fusion of fluid. My husband was sweating having chills and a high heart rate. He was diagnosed with stomach cancer that spread to his liver and the liver has growing since he's been on treatment. Did your husband ever try any other treatment after stopping the one that caused him the issues

My husband refused any other kind of treatment at all. We just prayed and ate healthy; mainly good quality red meat and lots of vegetables. My husband still had lung cancer and breathing problems but not as bad. He was able to do his normal things again, such as taking down the garbage, woodworking, repairing things in the house etc. He continued to see the cancer doctor and our primary care doctor and take his regular medications; blood pressure etc. My husband lived for 14 years with the lung cancer. He was 83 when he died in July of 2024.

Keytruda is a very strong medicine. Plus everyone is different. Some people do very well on it but others like our husbands don't do well on it at all. I hope things go well for your husband. I will say a prayer for him.
PML

Thank you! Your review help me make a hard decision but I know what I need to do now Thank you from the bottom of my ❤️

Glad to read he has been able to manage the AFIB. There is not enough education or emphasis on following chemo, immunotherapy, and radiation treatments and their effect on the heart.

Personally I developed heart failure. A friend had a heart attack. We were told that left side radiation to breast cancer patients always means follow up with cardiology. Nothing is ever said to lung cancer patients.

I would still have had my treatment knowing the possibility.

Sadly major possible side effects are not discussed, else maybe bc cancer pts might reject treatment.
Immunotherapy has also caused my husband hypothyroidism and back rash.

You are entirely welcome! I think once the Keytruda is out of your husband's body he will feel a lot better. Be prepared for some push back from the doctors about your decision. Keytruda cost $25,000 per infusion when my husband was taking it. It's probably higher now and the hospitals don't like to lose that money. However, it's your husband's body and his money! He can do what he likes with it.

Also remember to eat the good quality red meat and lots of vegetables. I know they insist that red meat isn't good for you but if you get a good quality red meat, it is wonderful for your body. We bought our meat from Allen Brothers. You can look them up online. They are very expensive but well worth it! They have good sales too. We were both healthier after we started eating Allen Brothers Meat. I'm 79 and the doctor said I was so healthy that he didn't need to see me again for a year! I'm sure a lot of it is from eating Allen Brothers. We never ate out again because Allen Brothers was so good. They have been in business since 1890!

Prayer also helps a lot too! God is there for you. He made your husband and he can fix him. I'll say a prayer for both of you. Let me know how things go.
I wish you both the best.
PML
P.S. If you have any other questions just let me know.