Hello all
I have been diagnosed with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. Had 5 sessions of Radiotheraphy and have had two sessions of Chemotheraphy - Pemetrexed & Carbopplatin and Immunotheraphy - Pembrolizumab. The blood test before my third session showed a drop in kidney function so the session was cancelled. I had a meeting with Cosultant today and while they do more blood tests and put me on steriods Dexamethasone the chemo etc is on hold. The Consultant said this is nothing to panic about and not abnormal but I am scared. I feel as though the safety blanket has been pulled from under me and as though someone has gone out of the room and left the door open. I was very hopeful when I was put on the Chemo and Immunotheraphy (even though the side effects were horrible) now I feel at a bit of a loss. Early days I know but so scared. Anyone else had this and how did you get through it. The Consultant says I can be off the theraphies for 12 weeks before they would not consider restarting so I suppose I am being hasty. Just wanted some reassurance.
Good luck and best wishes to all out there who are struggling with this awful disease.
Hi Kaycee, sorry to hear your news. To widen your support base you may want to post this in the Lung Cancer group.
Hi Kaycee
I am afraid of being in same situation. Started weekly Paclitaxel and Carboplatin with Keytruda every 3 weeks and after the first Keytruda infusion my neutrophiles went low (anemia) and my ALT went up(liver). I just had the second infusion yesterday and of course I`m feeling bad although is just second day and still on corticosteroid. I am sure the values will further deteriorate before next week session.
Checked the Keytruda site and found out in the study for my type of cancer(TNBC) there were 1.9% fatalities because of the severe side effects(which seems a lot to me; some 15 people out of 778 treated for early stage disease) and 20% discontinued due to severe side effects(some 150 people). They give a list of side effects for each type of cancer on witch the treatment should be withheld or discontinued.
I am as worried as you are and torn between continuing until my doctor decide to hold/discontinue or asking to discontinue myself before I hit the max. side effects threshold in order to be able to continue with Paclitaxel & Carbo.
My reply it`s not reassuring or comforting I know, just wanted to let you know you are not alone. Probably they are just withholding and will go ahead.
XOXO
