Celebrating 25 years of lung cancer

Stay positive. I agree the uncertainty is very difficult. Lean on your family and friends. If you can, take someone with you when you go to the doctor and have them take notes. The appointments can be overwhelming. My daughter in law was my note taker and I am grateful she was there to do this. It also took the pressure off my husband.

The waiting in the beginning is hard. It takes longer than it should to get scans scheduled and the wait time opens the door to imagination. Soon you'll have the information you need.

Is it ok to max out my antioxidant intake while on keytruda? Are there any herbal supplements that won’t contradict therapy?

My lung cancer showed up on my gluteal muscle 3 years after lobectomy. 18 radiation treatments reduced swelling and pain. Pet showed several specks on my lung and one lymph nod lit up. I was taking a plethora of supplements, several of which my oncologist recommends I stop taking as I will be getting keytruda every 3 weeks for two years. . I don’t understand why something that boosts my immune system can interfere with immunotherapy. What happens if I eat too much antioxidants?

Welcome @pego. It does seem counter-intuitive doesn't it? One would think that an immune booster would help the healing process. That may not be the case with immunotherapy and some supplements. Supplements as well as other medications can change factors such as absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of the cancer treatment.

Antioxidants are taken by many cancer patients because it is thought that the substances will protect and repair healthy cells damaged by cancer therapy. However, there is insufficient information for many specific antioxidant supplements to determine if they are safe and effective as a complementary therapy to standard cancer treatment.

Here is more information:
- Cancer Therapy Interactions With Foods and Dietary Supplements https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/dietary-interactions-pdq

Peg, I can tell that you want to do everything in your power to promote healing and give yourself the best options. To make sure the immunotherapy does its job, it sounds like you should put aside some of the supplements you're used to taking for the time your on treatment.

Here's an article that might help you to work with diet to do your part.
- Diet plays an important role in the success of immunotherapy https://www.news-medical.net/news/20221010/Diet-plays-an-important-role-in-the-success-of-immunotherapy.aspx

I might also recommend talking with an oncology nutritionist and your pharmacist about interactions with immunotherapy and supplements. Perhaps there are some you can continue to take. Have you even met with a cancer nutritionist or dietitian?

Update. PET scan results were encouraging. Biopsy of lymph node in center of my chest scheduled for next Wednesday. Surgery on Mar 22 for removal of the troublesome node. A portion of my lung to be removed at that time. Continued thanks for everyone’s support.

Knowing is always better than uncertainty. Best of luck with the surgery.

To all who have been so supportive, biopsy showed lymph node negative! Small tumor is adenocarcinoma. Surgery tomorrow. Prognosis excellent. After resection and segmentectomy, no further treatment needed. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement. Wishing good outcomes for all.

Congratulations! Wonderful news. Good luck with your surgery!

Surgery is over! Chest tube a little uncomfortable, but slept off and on all day. Have to stay overnight bevause blood draining and still a bit of air seeping out. By and large, OK. Thank you so much.