Anyone's cancer return after Keytruda?

That is too bad that your cancer is back! Keytruda is an awful medication! My husband had lung cancer. They gave him Keytruda infusions and nearly killed him. He got pancreatitis from it which is a known side effect of Keytruda. He lost about 30 lbs and couldn't keep anything down. Our primary care doctor was the one who got him to the right specialist that saved his life. His cancer doctor wouldn't do anything. He was not happy with the fact that my husband said he would never have another Keytruda infusion again and our insurance had just approved 9 more months. Keytruda costs $25,000 per infusion! That was some years ago. It's probably more now. Also Keytruda didn't help my husband's cancer. He died of lung cancer last July.

I would suggest that you pray about your situation. Give all your troubles up to God. He will straighten it out.
I'll say a prayer for you also.
PML

I am sorry for your loss...Something to be aware of for others out their taking Keytruda as well which I have also spoken with my oncologist about. I am a type 1 diabetic, have had it since I was a small child so am pretty well controlled and know what I am doing...I wear an insulin pump and a CGM, I can say without a doubt that it does mess with blood sugar very badly, I was having to modify the amount of insulin being given all the time on it.

My wife is dying because of this medication. It did attack other organs. She was diagnosed with melanoma on her right leg and opted for Keytruda treatment and after the second dose she developed extreme diarrhea and lost 20 pounds, and it also reduced her potassium to 1.2 and a doctor told her that she was near death at that level. She has now got very brittle bones and has had 4 surgeries to repair. She has never gained any weight since the 20 pounds that she lost! THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS MEDICATION, and I would not recommend it for anyone. The unfortunate side to this is that you have to sign off for any side effects that may arise from the uses of this medication in order for you to have the treatment. Think about this if you or any family members are thinking about this medication, PLEASE

One more note about Keytruda. It says that you should see your doctor right away if you have a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, or vomiting. The trouble here is that you have already taken the medication and there is NOTHING that we have found that would reverse the effects, you will just have to live with the pain and suffering until you are gone from this earth!!

Hi Tom,
I'm so sorry that your wife is suffering so badly from Keytruda! It is an awful medication as you probably read in my early post here about my husband's battle with Keytruda and getting pancreatitis and almost dying. He stopped it in time and lived 14 more years with his lung cancer. He died in July, 2024.

You mentioned that you now have to sign off for any side effects in order to get Keytruda. That was not the case when my husband got Keytruda treatments. That says something and it isn't good. Thank you for warning people about Keytruda.

I'll say a prayer for your wife. God needs to intervene and get her well! She needs a miracle and God can provide that.
I wish you both the best.
PML

@pml thx for sharing your post.
I am sorry for your loss. But encouraging that you husband lived 14yrs post Keytruda.

After 24 Keytruda infusions thru 1.5yrs, my husband has developed adverse symptoms — Afibs, hyperthyroidism, skin rash, gi issues, lack of appetite, fatigue, etc. Oncologist wanted 2 years, but thinks next infusion will be his last.

I hope my husband recovers from Keytruda & lives cancer free for many years

@abob,
Thank you for your kind words. I'm so sorry your husband is having bad side effects with Keytruda but that seems to be normal whenever anyone has Keytruda. My husband did live 14 years after stopping Keytruda but he also stopped any treatment at all. They weren't happy because these treatments cost $25,000 each time but it was his body and his money. I was glad that he stopped the treatments. He started feeling so much better. Also he ate a lot of good quality red meat and that helped a lot too. I know they are currently saying that red meat isn't good for you but I've eaten red meat all my life and I'm 79. The last time I saw the doctor he said he didn't need to see me again for a year because I was so healthy!

Another thing that helped my husband was prayer. We put all our problems in God's hands and God was there for us.I hope your husband does better. I'll say a prayer for him and for you also.
I wish you both the best.
PML

@pml thank you for your helpful response and wishes.
My previously meat eater husband has been surviving on Wonton soup (of all things). ( I stick in some tiny bits of meat.) I get him to have a protein drink each day.

We are hoping that ending Keytruda will get him stronger and feeling better.

It is comforting to share here with those going through Lung Cancer treatment. Thanks and best wishes to you.