Starting immunotherapy Keytruda

Hello @cglover47 , It's so frustrating when there's not enough tissue. That's happened to me before too. Then we went to a blood biopsy to get wat we needed.
Are you still waiting on the signatera results? How are you feeling after the Keytruda treatment?

My husband has had 24 treatments - 1.5 yrs, Scans have been negative. Just started having Keytruda caused ailments. We think next Keytruda will be his last,

I’ve had 8 treatments so far and I’ve been blessed with no side effects. I’m scheduled for 4 more treatments. I must say after 4 treatments, one half of one of my lesions disappeared.
Good luck to you.

@lls8000

The Signatera results are expected in 1-2 weeks. First submission didn’t include enough tissue. Decided to go ahead with the first Keytruda treatment this coming Tuesday. Went over all the aftereffects w/PA. I have a PEACE about going forward. Ty

@lls8000
Met with the PC yesterday in the absence of the oncologist, we were hopeful the Signatera test would be back w/positive. Still a wait and see and could be another couple of weeks, plus the oncologist will be out of country until 11/6. Previously, the oncologist recommended starting treatments based on the biopsy results following surgery and begin short term, when I’m ready. Blood work is good, feeling good with still some lingering fatigue, but improving. We went over all the possible side effects etc. I’m getting a Peace about starting now. My wife supports either way, start now or wait.

@cglover47, It's so hard to know how our bodies will react to any treatment. These treatments are powerful, and have life-saving potential for many, and come with significantly serious side effects for some. It's scary. Have you discussed your concerns with your oncologist or one of the nurses in the office? When is the molecular testing expected to be back?

How long will results take? What does your dr say? I'm so sorry you're going through so much,I'm sure it's a scary time for you and your family. Hopefully you will get good news soon 🙏

I am scheduled to begin taking Keytruda treatments in 4 days following initial results from melanoma tumor testing. I’m debating on waiting on results from Sygnatera testing before starting. Following 7/24 surgery for lung tumor removal, it’s taken 6 weeks before my appetite has returned and my positive mental outlook returned. I’m inclined now to wait for Sygnatera results, especially after reading comments on after effects. I’m just now starting to feel, “more normal”.

Thanks, sglaza. You put some sunshine in my day. Today is day 6 from my second treatment and no longer needed the anti emetics at last. My legs feel like rubber, but they get sturdier after several day with walking and stretching. I do notice the mental fog. It hadn't occurred to me that it might be all the anti emetics, steroids and so on aside from the cisplatin and pemetrexed. I don't know, will see if it becomes clearer before treatment #3. Have warned my husband to make sure I don't leave the dogs outside like I did the other day, for instance, or the stove top on.

It was nice to hear your perspective on the stage 2 to do chemotherapy option. I erred on the side of caution, too, and look at like added insurance, although I do know that it can still crop up again for no rhyme or reason at any time. And that we are not statistics. But I'll take what I can get as there is a lot of life I'd like to live yet. That's what this whole stuff does to me, makes me think about what I put off and could have done. I know I am not alone there on that happening.

I was told initially my biomarkers were not positive for immunotherapy as I may have mentioned already. I will start researching what means what that means in my reports my oncologist gave me. Very complex compared to what I was tested for 20 years ago in the breast cancer department.

Thank you for the compliment and well wishes, sglaza.

Happy Thanksgiving. 🌾🍇

Hello Burdyblue,
Sorry to hear about your chemo journey to date......what you have described in detail sums up what one should expect although everyone does respond differently (I'm guessing that journaling your ups and downs is actually therapeutic for you). Good that your oncologist listened to you and lowered your dosage accordingly. As you are probably learning, managing your supportive medications during your chemo treatments is an exercise in trying to figure out what works best for you without some of the unwarranted side effects (mental fog for one). Whether to undergo chemotherapy for Stage 2 lung cancer is a personal choice that should be made in consultation with your oncologist's feedback. Personally, I would have second guessed myself to this day if I hadn't taken that "insurance" step.

I apologize for assuming Tagrisso targeted therapy would be in your future after completion of your chemo treatments. Tagrisso is indicated for a certain type of cellular genetic mutation (ie. EGFR mutation) that leads to a common form of lung cancer predominately in non-smokers. You may want to confer with your oncologist to determine if the genetic marker testing they performed on your tumor indicated any specific genetic mutation as that would perhaps dictate which subsequent drug therapy might be beneficial in your case.

I had the pleasure of working in South Texas for a period of time and my lasting memory is how strong, resilient and supportive the people are there.......we can tell you have those same traits. Continued good luck and keep expanding your husband's domestic skills!