Immunotherapy: Keytruda (pembrolizumab)

Hello. I am new here. Diagnosed with Nodular Melanoma in Mar of 2017. Metastasized in Dec of 2018. Started Keytruda Jan of 2019. Have had 5 treatments 3 weeks apart. This last blood test showed my thyroid has gone wacky. I am pretty tired but plan to keep going. 4 lesions in the lung, largest at 13mm, and 1 in the bowel. If all goes well in will be on this for 2yrs. First scan to see if it is working will be Apr 17 2019. Very interested in THC/CBD oils. Mixed reviews online. Any input would be great. Sending positive thoughts to everyone.

Dear Colleen,

I wanted to ask you if you know how long it takes for Keytruda to start working? My dad just did PET and doctors told that there are new metastasis. He only did Keytruda twice and doing a third one in two days. My question is would two times Keytruda be enough to say whether it worked or did not work? It costs so much and wondering how much more chance we should give. Thanks

Nancy Bush/ shortshot0 Hi Colleen and Teresa) Howdy ladies, I'm finally back. It has been a while. I had immune therapy in March, April, May, and then went through a tough time with pain in all my joints. Doc told me that sometimes the immune therapy will do that, so have been on Prednisone off and on for several months. I have been trying to cut it down, then I start the pain again. Am on some sort of a merry go round for several months. . For the past couple of years that I've been going to the doc, they have put on a Christmas buffett with all kinds fo cold cuts, cheese's, crackers, hot chicken wings of two or three flavors, veggies, cookies, candy, punch, some "booze" if you want, just a great spread for patients and family. Very nice and much appreciated. Everyone had a great time visiting. Saw my doctor before lunch and my cat scan show no new growth, which is a good thing, and am trying again to cut the Prednisone down, however much slower this time. So it will work, just going to take some more time. I am feeling good, looking good and gaining more strength each week. I still do all my own clothes washing, folding etc, dishes and as much other things that I can get done daily. Have been working on my book, hopefully some time soon I can get it to the printers. I did have some news the other day. July I will be a "great great grandma! Wow, doesn't seem possible that could be, but I will spoil what ever kind I get! Doesn't seem possible that it has been seven months since my hubby died. Yes it does get lonely at times but it is better that it was. I have purchased my Christmas present which will be installed tomorrow. I have a new carpet for the living room. I am excited to have It installed tomorrow. It has been over 22 years since the last one. Something new always makes you feel great and also cheers up the home. I will be seeing the doctor again in about three weeks, then will see what the plan is going to be for me. Ladies, I'm so glad to be back here and join the conversation's, seems like forever since I was in here. Thank you Colleen for all the help, information to be back.
We have been having some wild storms here on the coast of Oregon, 60 mph winds, and lots of rain. Supposed to keep us wet for the next week or so. Have a great day everybody, I will be back in here soon. Nancy

Thank you! I will do that. Was the thyroid wiped out from the Keytruda?

Hello. I am new here. Diagnosed with Nodular Melanoma in Mar of 2017. Metastasized in Dec of 2018. Started Keytruda Jan of 2019. Have had 5 treatments 3 weeks apart. This last blood test showed my thyroid has gone wacky. I am pretty tired but plan to keep going. 4 lesions in the lung, largest at 13mm, and 1 in the bowel. If all goes well in will be on this for 2yrs. First scan to see if it is working will be Apr 17 2019. Very interested in THC/CBD oils. Mixed reviews online. Any input would be great. Sending positive thoughts to everyone.

Hi, @ina3 - I've merged your post asking about a connection between hyperthyroidism and chemotherapy or immunotherapy - pembrolizumab (Keytruda) specifically - with this discussion in which you've participated previously, so you can follow up with them on these developments with your dad and get their input, including how treatment for hyperthyroidism would play into the chemo/immuno regimen.

I'd invite @llwortman to return to offer her insights, and I'd also like to invite @merpreb @lady1lake @pc2018 to participate in this conversation.

What has your oncologist advised related to treatment for hyperthyroidism and how that would interact with chemo/immunotherapy?

Hi @ina3, It must be a challenge to help care for your dad long distance. I assume he lives out of the country.

I'm tagging fellow members @reibur1951 and @lighthouse68 who have some experience with immunotherapy and lung cancer and may be able to give you some insights on what to expect and their experiences with side effects.

Giving chemo every 3 weeks is not uncommon. During that 3 week period side effects will come and go. There will likely be days that are better than others. The care team will ask questions about the side effects every visit. It can help to keep a log of the side effects in case they have to adjust the dosage or the schedule. I used these worksheets from the American Cancer Society to track my dad's side effects while on treatment for colorectal cancer. Having a list of medications was useful more than once when meeting with various members of the cancer team too. You can download them here: https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/tools-to-monitor-treatment.html

Does your dad live alone?