Carboplatin Alimta and Keytruda Treatment: What's your experience?

Posted by schmeeckle64 @schmeeckle64, Jun 12, 2023

Hi! I will be starting Carboplatin, Alimta and Keytruda this coming Friday and I am wondering if there is anyone in this group that has or is still on this treatment. What are the side effects? How many treatments did you have? Did you feel normal a few days after the treatment? I am just freaking out and would love to hear from someone that has actually experienced the treatment. Thank you so much!!!

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I had four rounds of this regimen this past spring for nsclc stage IV.
The first two rounds were not too bad for side effects but the last two were challenging. Each time I needed to keep up with the anti nausea meds, manage the constipation, and keep up with Tylenol. The first three to five days after treatment were the worst. I had mixed results on follow up scan mid May. I am trying to stay positive and active. Good health and good times to you!!

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@dianemb

I had four rounds of this regimen this past spring for nsclc stage IV.
The first two rounds were not too bad for side effects but the last two were challenging. Each time I needed to keep up with the anti nausea meds, manage the constipation, and keep up with Tylenol. The first three to five days after treatment were the worst. I had mixed results on follow up scan mid May. I am trying to stay positive and active. Good health and good times to you!!

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Thank you so very much! My oncologist has already prescribed two different types of nausea medincines. I was hoping I might be layed up for a couple days after my treatment. Would you mind sharing what type of treatment you are on now if any? Christie

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@schmeeckle64

Thank you so very much! My oncologist has already prescribed two different types of nausea medincines. I was hoping I might be layed up for a couple days after my treatment. Would you mind sharing what type of treatment you are on now if any? Christie

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It’s Alimta and Keytruda for now. Not sure for how many treatments. I may eventually qualify for a clinical trial later this summer. I forgot to mention look out for dehydration, take it easy in warm weather and drink lots of water. I am not a medical professional, wasn’t really aware of it and the dehydration snuck up on me.

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I started with Carbo and Taxol for 5 rounds, then ended up having to do a second round due to spreading to breast (I have NSCLC stage IV) which was the Carbo and Alimta. I handled it all very well, my hair thinned a litte and was tired the first couple days after my infusion. Now during my 9th treatment I had a bad allergic reaction to the Carbo. So we stopped. My Dr's told me that the allergic reaction happens to many normally rounds 7-10. I am currently on Alimta and Keytruda now. Best of luck to you!

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@dianemb

It’s Alimta and Keytruda for now. Not sure for how many treatments. I may eventually qualify for a clinical trial later this summer. I forgot to mention look out for dehydration, take it easy in warm weather and drink lots of water. I am not a medical professional, wasn’t really aware of it and the dehydration snuck up on me.

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That is good to know. I am not much of a water drinker..... Thank you!

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@jennkrumz

I started with Carbo and Taxol for 5 rounds, then ended up having to do a second round due to spreading to breast (I have NSCLC stage IV) which was the Carbo and Alimta. I handled it all very well, my hair thinned a litte and was tired the first couple days after my infusion. Now during my 9th treatment I had a bad allergic reaction to the Carbo. So we stopped. My Dr's told me that the allergic reaction happens to many normally rounds 7-10. I am currently on Alimta and Keytruda now. Best of luck to you!

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Holy Cow! You are one tough cookie. I also have NSCLC stage IV. I am so glad to hear that you tolerated it very well. I know everyone is differnet but I am praying that my body tolerates this treatment as well. How long will you be on the Alimta and Keytruda? Are your scans showing results. One last question. So the couple days after your treatment did you feel normal? Did you have energy and could you eat? Thank you so much for your response. It truly makes me feel a little better about this upcoming treatment!

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Unfortunately I will be on this cocktail forever, or until I go into remission or body says no more. My scans have all been clear. I was starting to have some pressure on the side of my head a few weeks ago so they scheduled me a brain MRI this past monday. That came back clear. In my Keytruda group, I learned that several others have this same almost sinus pressure from the Keytruda. Let me tell you...there are several weird side effects from that stuff. For me they come and go. Fatigue at end of week of infusion is always there but lasts a couple days. I had vertigo for 2 days for no reason, then the sinus pressure and once and awhile my hips ache. Its honestly so random, but all things that are able to be tolerated. Ive not had the nausea and eat like a horse!
I was on Imfizi previously as my immunotherapy and it did not work, in fact my cancer spread to my breast while on that. So Keytruda and Alimta are my lifesavers now!

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@jennkrumz

Unfortunately I will be on this cocktail forever, or until I go into remission or body says no more. My scans have all been clear. I was starting to have some pressure on the side of my head a few weeks ago so they scheduled me a brain MRI this past monday. That came back clear. In my Keytruda group, I learned that several others have this same almost sinus pressure from the Keytruda. Let me tell you...there are several weird side effects from that stuff. For me they come and go. Fatigue at end of week of infusion is always there but lasts a couple days. I had vertigo for 2 days for no reason, then the sinus pressure and once and awhile my hips ache. Its honestly so random, but all things that are able to be tolerated. Ive not had the nausea and eat like a horse!
I was on Imfizi previously as my immunotherapy and it did not work, in fact my cancer spread to my breast while on that. So Keytruda and Alimta are my lifesavers now!

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Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am in the same situation with the nsc lung cancer, a possible forever “ cocktail “ I was so sick yesterday from the alimta and keytruda. For me , it’s taking one day at a time and trying to be active and productive on my better days. Best regards to you.

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Yes!!! Thank you so much for sharing. Tomorrow is the big day! I am so glad to hear that your appetite is good. I will definitely share my experience. Thank you both so much again for letting me know your experience with this treatment 😊

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@dianemb

It’s Alimta and Keytruda for now. Not sure for how many treatments. I may eventually qualify for a clinical trial later this summer. I forgot to mention look out for dehydration, take it easy in warm weather and drink lots of water. I am not a medical professional, wasn’t really aware of it and the dehydration snuck up on me.

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The Carboplatin, Alimta and Keytruda is the treatment regimen for ncsls stage IV that I began just yesterday and so far s good! I am not sure how many rounds I will be getting until after my next CT/PET scan.
I am curious to know what clinical trial you may be able to participate in. We have just started to look for clinical trials for this situation. Any guidance or names of trials that you may know would be appreciated and helpful and I start this new journey.
Thanks for sharing your experience and tips for tolerating this treatment.

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