← Return to Immunotherapy: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
DiscussionImmunotherapy: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Lung Cancer | Last Active: Oct 5, 2023 | Replies (74)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "Hello - I haven't been on the site for a while because caretaking for my husband..."
@cindylb- Cindy, hi. I haven't been feeling well so I took a bit of time to myself. I'm going to get retested tomorrow for covid. So, your husband's doctors have finally have decided on his primary cancer. I know that it's been a long road for you both. You both must be exhausted from it all.
The way that immunotherapy works are to stimulate your immune system in fighting cancer. However, sometimes your own immune system overreacts and fights too hard and causes more problems and side effects. Immunotherapy is a Godsend for many people but for others, it can be pretty rough.
Here are side effects from Keytruda:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/keytruda-side-effects.html#:~:text=Side%20effects%20requiring%20immediate%20medical%20attention.%201%20Bladder,8%20clay-colored%20stools.%209%20constipation.%2010%20cough.%20
It's a pretty long list and can be very intimidating. And doctors can be too. I would suggest having his Cardiologist contact his Immunologist. They should all be working together for your husband's well being. Do not let them work alone. Your husband needs a team. And perhaps a palliative one now.
Do you think that you can go ahead and begin this process?
@cindylb, cancer treatment-induced heart disease does happen. There is a discussion on Mayo Clinic Connect dedicated to it here:
- Cancer Treatment Induced Heart Disease https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-induced-heart-disease/
In fact, many major cancer centers have clinics specifically dealing with cardio-oncology. Mayo cardiologists published this paper on the topic back in 2014
– Evaluation and Management of Patients With Heart Disease and Cancer: Cardio-Oncology https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(14)00475-3/pdf
The cancer education team also posted a related blog and video here on Mayo Clinic Connect. See
– Cancer Treatment and the Heart https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/cancer-education-center/newsfeed-post/cancer-treatment-and-the-heart-1/
Might there be a Cardio-Oncology clinic at the hospital where your husband is treated?
Cindy, My husband has NSCLC and the AFIB was one of his earliest symptoms, other than the horrible cough. He had the 30 day monitor and an Echocardiogram. The results showed AFIB but an otherwise healthy heart. In his case the Tumor was pressing on the artery to the heart and his airway, the compressed artery was causing the AFIB. Not saying your husband has the same situation but it is a possibility. My husband has finished radiation, almost finished with Chemo and will follow up with Immunotherapy. I know it’s a scary time for all of us and I wish you both better days.
I’ve had 9 months of three types of chemo and keytruda. Was sick 10 days after infusions than build back up for 10 and started all over. I requested to stop and was put just on keytruda and no more sickness being on that since last October. I do have a day or two of blow outs. Their is side affects but will not go back on chemo. As that’s not a way to live. My side affects are inflammation in joints which I’m know taking prednisone 10 mg. Which is keeping it controlled. Good luck and hope this helps.