1. < Lung Cancer

After Keytruda, what's next?

Posted by liz8716 @liz8716, Aug 28, 2019

@merpreb ...Hi, my name is Elizabeth. 31 yrs old.I was diagnosed with stage IV nsclc in April. I saw your story on here and it has given me hope. I'm currently on keytruda. Unfortunately my oncologist at this time says there is no cure and that keytruda can only be administered for 2 years. That she is only helping me live longer at this point because there is no cure. I did have taxol and carboplatin (4 rounds). My tumors have shrunk. But when I ask the dr "what next after 2 years of keytruda she says we'll wait and see. It's sort frustrating. I have to ask. What was your treatment?? Because the 5 year mark almost sounds impossible from what my dr states. Or if anyone else here knows of any new treatments.

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

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Aug 28, 2019

@liz8716- Welcome to Mayo Connect Liz. It must have been devastating to receive the news about Keytruda. why was your Chemo stopped if your tumors shrunk? You are so young to hear this news, even if you smoked, it's young. How are you feeling on Keytruda?
I have a type of cancer that is does not respond well to chemo, although I did have it about 10 years ago. I have what is called, multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung. I have several cancers at a time in one or both lung. I have had cancer since 1997, although that was a different NSCLC. The 10 years later the multifocal adenocarcinoma started up.
Have you tried any trials?

REPLY
1 reply
bentrivercarla | @bentrivercarla | Aug 28, 2019

I would hang in there Elizabeth and take it one day at a time (though sometimes that takes some real effort). Cancer treatment is moving rapidly and the resilience of your youth is on your side. Also hope id a powerful friend. I am sending prayers

REPLY
schmeeckle64 | @schmeeckle64 | Aug 31, 2019

Hi Liz.
I'm on Keytruda as well. As this time that's the only treatment I've been taking. My oncologist never said anything to me about only being on Keytruda for only 2 years. I'm going to ask next time I go in. Everyone is different keep smiling and keep fighting. Prayers

REPLY
2 replies
2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@liz8716- Welcome to Mayo Connect Liz. It must have been devastating to receive the news about..." + (show)
@merpreb

@liz8716- Welcome to Mayo Connect Liz. It must have been devastating to receive the news about Keytruda. why was your Chemo stopped if your tumors shrunk? You are so young to hear this news, even if you smoked, it's young. How are you feeling on Keytruda?
I have a type of cancer that is does not respond well to chemo, although I did have it about 10 years ago. I have what is called, multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung. I have several cancers at a time in one or both lung. I have had cancer since 1997, although that was a different NSCLC. The 10 years later the multifocal adenocarcinoma started up.
Have you tried any trials?

Jump to this post

@liz8716 although I’m older than you, I’m in the same Keytruda boat with you. And my drs are also not offering much encouragement. Keep posting, take care of yourself. Get a 2nd opinion.

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Sep 1, 2019

@2onlow8, @schmeeckle64, @bentrivercarla- Multifocal Adeno is such a fickle cancer. We never know what it's going to do. It's maddening and frustrating and so so scary. But please don't consider "giving up". I've heard this on Connect lately and it makes me feel very discouraged and it's negative for the rest of us. What helps keep us going is hope, based on survival so if you are planning to just stop your treatments please think of others when you do, especially if you are up and about. What do you think?

REPLY
1 reply
2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @2onlow8 "@liz8716 although I’m older than you, I’m in the same Keytruda boat with you. And my..." + (show)
@2onlow8

@liz8716 although I’m older than you, I’m in the same Keytruda boat with you. And my drs are also not offering much encouragement. Keep posting, take care of yourself. Get a 2nd opinion.

Jump to this post

@liz8716 have you had molecular testing done? Foundation One? This could unlock some helpful keys to future treatment possibilities.

REPLY
1 reply
2onlow8 | @2onlow8 | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @richcolleen "Have not heard of it." + (show)
@richcolleen

Have not heard of it.

Jump to this post

@richcolleen foundation medicine.com

REPLY
alamogal635 | @alamogal635 | Sep 1, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@2onlow8, @schmeeckle64, @bentrivercarla- Multifocal Adeno is such a fickle cancer. We never know what it's going..." + (show)
@merpreb

@2onlow8, @schmeeckle64, @bentrivercarla- Multifocal Adeno is such a fickle cancer. We never know what it's going to do. It's maddening and frustrating and so so scary. But please don't consider "giving up". I've heard this on Connect lately and it makes me feel very discouraged and it's negative for the rest of us. What helps keep us going is hope, based on survival so if you are planning to just stop your treatments please think of others when you do, especially if you are up and about. What do you think?

Jump to this post

Agree with you. We all need hope!!!!!

REPLY
liz8716 | @liz8716 | Sep 2, 2019
In reply to @schmeeckle64 "Hi Liz. I'm on Keytruda as well. As this time that's the only treatment I've been..." + (show)
@schmeeckle64

Hi Liz.
I'm on Keytruda as well. As this time that's the only treatment I've been taking. My oncologist never said anything to me about only being on Keytruda for only 2 years. I'm going to ask next time I go in. Everyone is different keep smiling and keep fighting. Prayers

Jump to this post

Thank you for prayers. Yes that is what she says. I did ask what after the 2 years. She told me to have hope something new comes out meanwhile

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.