I had good results from Keytruda for a year for my throat cancer. Little to no side effects from what I remember. I was put on a different immunotherapy that was ineffective and caused a skin breakouit that requiredconstant attention. This treatment was ineffetive. Since then they put me on Opdivo and I have had smooth sailing for 10 Petscans with no side effects. I'm pretty sure my luck with Opdivo will run out one day, so I'm just enjoying this ride for now. The docs have a multitude of answers and each one of us is a custom application. Sometinmes it takes time to find the right individual solution. I'm just hopin g I can continue on they find a mor epermanent solution to my chronic cancer. Keep faith in your team. They will work hard and never give up.
Thank goodness you have something that works for you! Glad to hear opdivo is working for you! Sounds like you are in good care and fighting hard. God bless.
I have squamous cell ca primary tumor on tonsil. On keytruda and metformin. The tumor on tonsil is melting away! Scans to check lungs and lymph node Mets next week ; I'm tentatively optimistic. Any one else on immunotherapy with good results?
I had good results from Keytruda for a year for my throat cancer. Little to no side effects from what I remember. I was put on a different immunotherapy that was ineffective and caused a skin breakouit that requiredconstant attention. This treatment was ineffetive. Since then they put me on Opdivo and I have had smooth sailing for 10 Petscans with no side effects. I'm pretty sure my luck with Opdivo will run out one day, so I'm just enjoying this ride for now. The docs have a multitude of answers and each one of us is a custom application. Sometinmes it takes time to find the right individual solution. I'm just hopin g I can continue on they find a mor epermanent solution to my chronic cancer. Keep faith in your team. They will work hard and never give up.
I have squamous cell ca primary tumor on tonsil. On keytruda and metformin. The tumor on tonsil is melting away! Scans to check lungs and lymph node Mets next week ; I'm tentatively optimistic. Any one else on immunotherapy with good results?
Yes my guy had and now 1. 25 years larer its a disant metatastic to my bones. He just had invasve spinal surery and has rods i his back as his cancer was in his spine
I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer and underwent treatment in Q1 2021. 3 months of proton therapy and 7 chemo sessions. Brutal but necessary as the cancer had spread into my neck and was cover more than 60% of my throat. I dropped from 210 lbs to 155 lbs - my diet is a mess at the best of times. Luckily I avoided a feeding tube, even with a hospital admission, and forced myself to drink the BOOST protein drinks. There are multiple types but I used the 360 cal vanilla, and it’s still a part of my diet today. I think for a time I may have used a 500 cal one in a box, like paste, I missed with water to help me through the toughest phase. I lived on a liquid diet for 2 months, 5 drinks a day. It worked for me. Thankfully I’m now 2.5 years in remission and have gained back 15/20lbs and trying to hold it there. Good luck on your journey, you are hopefully through the worst of it.
Yes my guy had and now 1. 25 years larer its a disant metatastic to my bones. He just had invasve spinal surery and has rods i his back as his cancer was in his spine
In April & May of 2022 I thought I had a swollen Lymph node so I went to my doctor and started a journey of discovery to figure out what it was - The object in my neck was a palpable lateral right neck mass measuring approximately 3 cm. After fine needle aspiration by pathologist: The mass was Positive for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I feel incredibly lucky that this was caught early. Starting in June I had 33 radiation treatments along with Chemo. My last treatment was August 12th & I’ve been in recovery since trying to regain weight & muscle while dealing with saliva side effects and rebuilding my immune system. The accumulative Treatment is tough and the mental and physical impacts to weight loss / lack of ability to swallow for weeks was much harder than anticipated.
In April & May of 2022 I thought I had a swollen Lymph node so I went to my doctor and started a journey of discovery to figure out what it was - The object in my neck was a palpable lateral right neck mass measuring approximately 3 cm. After fine needle aspiration by pathologist: The mass was Positive for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I feel incredibly lucky that this was caught early. Starting in June I had 33 radiation treatments along with Chemo. My last treatment was August 12th & I’ve been in recovery since trying to regain weight & muscle while dealing with saliva side effects and rebuilding my immune system. The accumulative Treatment is tough and the mental and physical impacts to weight loss / lack of ability to swallow for weeks was much harder than anticipated.
You have had a tough battle and it isn't over yet, but from here each day may bring a little more relief. When you have a better day, hang onto that feeling and know that you will have many more as the weeks go by. Keep trying new things to help gain weight, as your taste buds will keep changing. I mostly lived on smoothies made with whatever fresh fruit tasted right, but added ricotta or cottage cheese for protein. The tang of yogurt just wasn't pleasant. It sounds like you didn't have a feeding tube but that is always a temporary option. I survived without one also but getting enough calories in is tough. Stay active and look into a mild exercise program like beginning yoga. I kept walking daily even when I needed a cane for balance. A year from now you will be doing so much better, adapting to the new normal. For a bittersweet smile, google "cancer and mountain lion" to see a very creative little analogy for cancer treatment that someone wrote.... I smile and shed a tear at when I read it. Be strong and good luck.
In April & May of 2022 I thought I had a swollen Lymph node so I went to my doctor and started a journey of discovery to figure out what it was - The object in my neck was a palpable lateral right neck mass measuring approximately 3 cm. After fine needle aspiration by pathologist: The mass was Positive for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I feel incredibly lucky that this was caught early. Starting in June I had 33 radiation treatments along with Chemo. My last treatment was August 12th & I’ve been in recovery since trying to regain weight & muscle while dealing with saliva side effects and rebuilding my immune system. The accumulative Treatment is tough and the mental and physical impacts to weight loss / lack of ability to swallow for weeks was much harder than anticipated.
In April & May of 2022 I thought I had a swollen Lymph node so I went to my doctor and started a journey of discovery to figure out what it was - The object in my neck was a palpable lateral right neck mass measuring approximately 3 cm. After fine needle aspiration by pathologist: The mass was Positive for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I feel incredibly lucky that this was caught early. Starting in June I had 33 radiation treatments along with Chemo. My last treatment was August 12th & I’ve been in recovery since trying to regain weight & muscle while dealing with saliva side effects and rebuilding my immune system. The accumulative Treatment is tough and the mental and physical impacts to weight loss / lack of ability to swallow for weeks was much harder than anticipated.
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Thank goodness you have something that works for you! Glad to hear opdivo is working for you! Sounds like you are in good care and fighting hard. God bless.
I had good results from Keytruda for a year for my throat cancer. Little to no side effects from what I remember. I was put on a different immunotherapy that was ineffective and caused a skin breakouit that requiredconstant attention. This treatment was ineffetive. Since then they put me on Opdivo and I have had smooth sailing for 10 Petscans with no side effects. I'm pretty sure my luck with Opdivo will run out one day, so I'm just enjoying this ride for now. The docs have a multitude of answers and each one of us is a custom application. Sometinmes it takes time to find the right individual solution. I'm just hopin g I can continue on they find a mor epermanent solution to my chronic cancer. Keep faith in your team. They will work hard and never give up.
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3 ReactionsI have squamous cell ca primary tumor on tonsil. On keytruda and metformin. The tumor on tonsil is melting away! Scans to check lungs and lymph node Mets next week ; I'm tentatively optimistic. Any one else on immunotherapy with good results?
@partner2helphim, I’m sorry to hear that your partner’s cancer has returned. How is he recovering from spinal surgery?
I was diagnosed with stage 3 throat cancer and underwent treatment in Q1 2021. 3 months of proton therapy and 7 chemo sessions. Brutal but necessary as the cancer had spread into my neck and was cover more than 60% of my throat. I dropped from 210 lbs to 155 lbs - my diet is a mess at the best of times. Luckily I avoided a feeding tube, even with a hospital admission, and forced myself to drink the BOOST protein drinks. There are multiple types but I used the 360 cal vanilla, and it’s still a part of my diet today. I think for a time I may have used a 500 cal one in a box, like paste, I missed with water to help me through the toughest phase. I lived on a liquid diet for 2 months, 5 drinks a day. It worked for me. Thankfully I’m now 2.5 years in remission and have gained back 15/20lbs and trying to hold it there. Good luck on your journey, you are hopefully through the worst of it.
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5 ReactionsYes my guy had and now 1. 25 years larer its a disant metatastic to my bones. He just had invasve spinal surery and has rods i his back as his cancer was in his spine
@chanderson, I’d like to add my welcome along with @jimthomasintl and @sepdvm.
What helps you with regaining weight & nuscle? Any tips to share? Did you work with a speech therapist to rehab the ability to swallow again?
You have had a tough battle and it isn't over yet, but from here each day may bring a little more relief. When you have a better day, hang onto that feeling and know that you will have many more as the weeks go by. Keep trying new things to help gain weight, as your taste buds will keep changing. I mostly lived on smoothies made with whatever fresh fruit tasted right, but added ricotta or cottage cheese for protein. The tang of yogurt just wasn't pleasant. It sounds like you didn't have a feeding tube but that is always a temporary option. I survived without one also but getting enough calories in is tough. Stay active and look into a mild exercise program like beginning yoga. I kept walking daily even when I needed a cane for balance. A year from now you will be doing so much better, adapting to the new normal. For a bittersweet smile, google "cancer and mountain lion" to see a very creative little analogy for cancer treatment that someone wrote.... I smile and shed a tear at when I read it. Be strong and good luck.
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2 ReactionsIt gets better. You're strong. Keep up the good work!
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2 ReactionsIn April & May of 2022 I thought I had a swollen Lymph node so I went to my doctor and started a journey of discovery to figure out what it was - The object in my neck was a palpable lateral right neck mass measuring approximately 3 cm. After fine needle aspiration by pathologist: The mass was Positive for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. I feel incredibly lucky that this was caught early. Starting in June I had 33 radiation treatments along with Chemo. My last treatment was August 12th & I’ve been in recovery since trying to regain weight & muscle while dealing with saliva side effects and rebuilding my immune system. The accumulative Treatment is tough and the mental and physical impacts to weight loss / lack of ability to swallow for weeks was much harder than anticipated.
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