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Have you ever had hiccups with or after chemotherapy?
Cancer: Managing Symptoms | Last Active: Aug 17 12:15pm | Replies (110)Comment receiving replies
Hi Lori, I read in another discussion thread, that your boyfriend has squamous cell carcinoma in the throat. I encourage you to also follow the Head & Neck Cancer group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/head-neck-cancer/
I agree with @auntieoakley. It sounds like it is time for a frank discussion with your boyfriend's medical team. Be sure to let them know that you don't want sugar coating and that you want straight-forward answers. They will be upfront and honest.
Some of the questions I would ask the doctors are:
- Why is Keytruda only used for a maximum of 2 years?
- What options are there after Keytruda?
- Is the treatment goal remission (cancer undetectable) or palliative (prolong life, manage symptoms but no cure possible)?
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is typically used as treatment for patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that cannot be removed through surgery. Does your boyfriend have metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread)? Has palliative care been discussed?
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His cancer did metastasis to lymph node at end of his single pipe. Inoperable.
Started back of tongue in his throat, then moved to 5 lymph nodes on the left side of his neck. Surgery on both sides of his neck and lymph nodes were removed. Followed with 6 weeks of cisplatin with 6 weeks of proton radiation to left side of neck and throat. He was given a 98% cure rate. 3 month petscan showed cancer metastasized to left the windpipe.
They started him on Keytruda and use radiation on the chest.
That lymph node never dissolved. All I was told that they recommend to stay on this course with Keytruda. That they will not take him off during these 2 yrs unless the Keytruda quits working or it attacks his organs.
Thank you for the questions to ask.
And also fir the website. Greatly appreciated