I will begin with the lead up to the Immunotherapy. When I had completed my intensive Chemo and Radiotherapy, I felt fine. Things started to go downhill a bit after I had the fluid from my pleural effusion drained (for testing) from my lung. I 'allegedly' developed an infection. A couple of days after the drain, I had a lot of chest pain and was admitted to hospital, where I stayed on antibiotics and oxygen. The day I was discharged was the same day of my Phone review with my Oncologist which I took within seconds of getting home!
He had my test results from the fluid and unfortunately there were cancer cells found in the fluid. Therefore my cancer was escalated from Stage 3 to Stage 4. Durvalumab, the planned immunotherapy drug, is not suitable for a secondary cancer such as this so a change to Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) was made. It was a bit of a blow but after a bit of research and reassurance from my Oncologist, we began to have faith in the new treatment plan again.
Unfortunately, it took me quite a while to recover from the hospital stay and i began to lose my appetite, ability to walk far and the breathlessness became really problematic. Even my Oesophagitis wasn't clearing up even though the Radiotherapy had ended weeks ago! Cutting a long story short, I had fluid drained again and eventually regained my fitness levels within a few weeks.
My pre-assessment session went really well where the nurse took us through typical side effects and things we needed to know. My partner was allowed to attend with me which was excellent. I also had my bloods done on the same day. I had called the Pleural nurse too about having another drain which resulted in removing 800ml!
Immunotherapy Treatment is every three weeks and the blood tests need to be taken about two days before to check you are fit and well enough to have the treatment. No risks taken here!
The first session is usually a little longer so they can go through everything you need to know. Each session the nurse will check with you on how you have been and discuss any problems. A canula is then inserted (unless you have a central line) ready for the drips. The infusions consist of a small bag of saline both before and after and a 30 minute infusion of Pembrolizumab.
The first session went without a hitch as did the second. The staff are so friendly and helpful. I had my Chemo and Radiotherapy at Northampton but I was having Immunotherapy at Kettering which is my 'home'. It's just that Kettering do not have a Radiotherapy unit.
The friendly, chatty Kettering staff soon made me feel comfortable and welcome and the time went so quickly! They even call you a week later to see if you have developed any problems and have any questions, although you can call them anytime too.
Over the first week I did feel more nauseous and called the unit for advice. They advised me to take Metoclopramide 3 times a day, stepping it down gradually after 5 days. It really did work! Other than a bit of tiredness, I felt fine but the breathlessness was still a problem. I called the pleural nurse and went to see her for an ultrasound a week after my previous drain. This time she suggested inserting the semi-permanent drain, she could do it there and then!
It was a bit of a shock but favourable and 45 minutes later i left with a couple pf boxes of drain packs and a call arranged for the district nurse to visit me for 5 days to do the draining. She would also show us how to do it ourselves. That has become Mark's job as I can't see below my boob as it is 'just' underneath!
Over the next 5 -6 days, we have a continuous stream of district nurses, rarely the same one twice. Each falls in love with either the parrot or the boat.. I am impressed that all but one found us easily on the canal towpath! Good instructions!
