The scores on the doors after my first 12 week block of pembrolizumab and nab-Paclitaxel are in, and it’s looking promising. The liver MRI showed some reduction in the liver lesions, and the CT scan isn’t showing anything new elsewhere. The thickening of the skin on my right breast (the treated one) was noted again, so I am being referred back to radiotherapy so they can confirm it is fibrosis from the radiotherapy.
I am well aware there is never any certainty over getting a durable response from treatment. I obviously don’t know whether I am responding to the immunotherapy (which might lead to a durable remission) or to the chemo (which will just buy me a bit of time). So a long way to go before we get to know for certain. The plan is another 12 week block of the combination treatment, more scans, and if everything is improved or at least stable, then move onto immunotherapy on its own for up to 18 more months.
I am trying not to get over excited by this undoubtedly positive news. It’s been rare in my cancer journey to get positive news, it’s usually a case of removing a few more bricks from the wall.. But for now my Domesday clock is still and hope is burning. I will get on with enjoying the next 12 weeks (chemo side effects not withstanding) and then look forward to my hair growing back.
