Stopping Keytruda due to adverse effects

Posted by abob @abob, Oct 26 1:40pm

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 side effects & lives cancer free for many years.

Has this been anyone else’s experience? Thx

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Lung Cancer Support Group.

I pray that ur husband recovers from all of these side effects.
rlf66

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Have just started Keytruda treatments, every three weeks. So far, so good after the first two weeks. Were any of the conditions you cited pre-existing, or possibly brought on by your long term treatments? Clean CAT? Ty, Chuck 78 y/o

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I have NOT seen onclogist yet. Will do so next wee. Will let u know how it goes.

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@abob, 24 infusions and 1.5 years is still quite a bit of treatment. It sounds like his body needs some recovery time. Some people say that the side effects are a sign that the meds are working. I don't know if that's true, but he's certainly had more than his share of side effects. I'm hoping that he recovers well. Did his oncologist give you an idea of what to expect?, do they expect some of the side effects to subside, and how long might that take?

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Oncologist originally said Keytruda would be 1-2 years. After discussing his recent (not uncommon) reactions, decision is that next infusion will probably be his last, then monitoring.

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Profile picture for abob @abob

Oncologist originally said Keytruda would be 1-2 years. After discussing his recent (not uncommon) reactions, decision is that next infusion will probably be his last, then monitoring.

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@abob, the side effects can really undermine quality of life. The length of treatment is always a balance between effectiveness of the treatment and toxicity of the side effects. Has the cancer responded to Keytruda (shrunk)?

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LL Lobectomy eliminated the tumor. Chemo eliminated any cancer bits flowing thru blood. Keytruda as insurance has kept cancer away, 1.5 yrs of Keytruda was just ended bc side effects outweighing any possible continued benefit. Monitoring is next step.

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Profile picture for cglover47 @cglover47

Have just started Keytruda treatments, every three weeks. So far, so good after the first two weeks. Were any of the conditions you cited pre-existing, or possibly brought on by your long term treatments? Clean CAT? Ty, Chuck 78 y/o

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@cglover47 Hey Chuck, how are you doing with the treatments now?

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Profile picture for dougmck @dougmck

@cglover47 Hey Chuck, how are you doing with the treatments now?

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@dougmck
Good. Second treatment this week. Minor itching and intermittent night sweats. Feeling good, some fatigue. Ty

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Profile picture for cglover47 @cglover47

@dougmck
Good. Second treatment this week. Minor itching and intermittent night sweats. Feeling good, some fatigue. Ty

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@cglover47 That's great. It's being added to my chemo regimen on 11/17. I'm a little nervous about it.

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