Immunotherapy: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

I feel a little nervous about the uncertainty of being able to return to Keytruda treatments. As for scan schedule, my doctor has always had me on a 3 month cycle so I assume that will be her plan going forward. My next doctor visit is December 4th and I have a Brain MRI and a c/a/p ct scan prior to that visit. I hope to be more informed about the future plan after my visit.

Hi @gregc1, Welcome to Mayo Connect. It sounds like you had a good run on Keytruda, sadly the side effects of the TKIs can take their toll on the body. I haven't been met with your situation yet, I take a different TKI. How do you feel about taking a break from treatment? What scan schedule has your doc recommended to monitor any new growth?

Thanks for asking. Endocrinologist had oncologist check out protein as was running low. Did the blood work which was sent to MAYO and I will get results October 2nd. Feel really good except for back (broke 8 vertebrae’s and 4 had to be cement. So I think my back problems are here to stay. Can’t complain as of. July I’m off all pain meds. Sold my home and moved to apartment to limit yard work and snow removal. But thank you and I’m doing well.
Colleen

I’m new here so I would like to provide a brief history of my situation. I was diagnosed w/stage IV lung cancer w/mets to the brain, adrenal glands and right ingunal lymph node. I have had successful brain surgery along with cyber knife radiation plus multiple radiation treatments to aforementioned areas. I have also undergone 55 keytruda infusion treatments and have recently been told I can no longer have further treatments. The reason for stopping keytruda was decided because of a pretty severe case of colitis as a side effect.
So, after 3 + years of treatments I’m being told my only option is chemotherapy but my doctor wants delay that decision for a period of time to monitor any new activity occurring with the effected areas.
My question would be has anyone experienced my situation and if so what was prescribed as a solution?
Thanks

Hi @ccwill, there are hundreds of post being made daily on Mayo Clinic Connect. Can I help connect you with current discussions?

Did you decide to start immunotherapy? If yes, which kind?

So good to hear from you @richcolleen and with such hopeful news. How are you doing?

My tumor went away! It was stage 4 long cancer and nodules had gone into kidneys and cells in left long and stomach. No one taught I’d be around much past a year. It will be four years in March.

@freda73
Trust you and your husband are well. I realized that your question regarding whether or not your husband should have immunotherapy maintenance was not addressed. I will be at the same crossroad after completing my sixth chemo cycle next week, on September 18, 2023. There's very little current (2023) information in these forums to help me make a decision. I'm grateful to everyone who has shared details of their experiences, especially in terms of their side effects of immunotherapy. May you stay blessed and healed.

The scan showed that the spot by my pancreas had shrunk and everything else looked good. I will have my fourth round here in a couple of weeks. Thank you so much for asking.

@schmeeckle64, any update? How are you doing?