New primary cancer

What drugs are being offered Jools? When chemo is paired with immunotherapy, it’s often a lighter dose and with break weeks, which make it a lot less of an impact than the sort of chemo you might have had earlier on your journey. Assuming the immunotherapy is one of the checkpoint inhibitors, I think they go quite smoothly for most people. The biggest risk is getting an immunotherapy related adverse event (where your immune system attacks healthy organs), and that isn’t something that happens on day 1. I managed about 5.5 months on a Pembrolizumab/ NAB-Paclitaxel combo, before I had to stop because of IRAEs. Meanwhile it had done a lot of work on the cancer. 

I can’t believe you and I must’ve chosen a similar time to log in! I’m being offered gemcitabine/cisplatin with durvalumab. I think that’s how they’re spelled. 

Sounds fun! Not had any of those (at least not yet). 

Hi Jools, We had a lovely Christmas but a quiet one. We went to our daughter's early afternoon to see our 2 Granddaughters, they were so excited to show us what Santa had brought them, we had a light lunch then played a few games. Although they are only 8 doors along, we took the car because the rain and wind were  horrendous and of course we didn't want their presents to get wet. Then we went home, had our Christmas Dinner. We had FaceTime with our son & grandson who are in NI at our DIL's parents, then had a quiet night.

I think your team seem to think you can cope with the treatment or I don't think they would be offering it! Have you made your decision yet? I would definitely advise telling someone!

Hi Jools63   Good they found the new cancer - that's half the battle.  Just to say, I follow a consultant at Barts on twitter and he does a lot of presentations available to the general public, including on youtube and Kidney cancer uk charity/organisation.   He is frequently asked "what's the best immunotherapy or immune checkpoint inhibitor?".  His response is along the lines of "not much between them all, pick one and go for it".  Possibly not a true analogy with your situation - I can't get on the same page, whether you're being offered those 3 drugs together or it's a choice between the 2  chemo drugs or the durvalumab?    Good luck.  

I’m so pleased to hear you had such a lovely Christmas. You certainly deserved to. I’ve talked myself into and out of treatment so many times today. I think I’ll have to go for it. I have too many things I need and want to do to get it all done in 6 months! I’m planning on speaking to my dad tomorrow after my appointment. Thanks for being there.

Oh bless you Mmum. I can’t believe I can’t find more than 1 person in any of the forums that has experience of these drugs. It’s all 3 together. I think they said IV days 1 and 8 of a three weekly cycle. I can’t remember when the immunotherapy is during this. It’s going to mean a lot of hospital visits and time away from my dogs. I don’t even know how I’m going to get there each time. That’s a problem for tomorrow. Thanks for asking and for your input. I hope you are well.

Hi Jools, that is very good news in both cases. The fact you are going for it and also going to speak to your dad about it.

Please remember it is only an estimate the oncologist can give about how long you may have with or without treatment. When I started the Trial Drug I was told it may give me an extra 7-9 months. That was ten years ago now. Sometimes it has been a difficult road but I'd rather be here than not!

Do you know when you will start? It must be a relief just to have made a decision!! Good luck.

I'm sure the hospital will arrange transport for you Jools. Just think it's short time of inconvenience for long time rewards!

You can do this and we will be with you all the way my friend!

Hi Jools, as I've said before your choice,  I did 3months watch and wait. Also had a 3 month break from treatment in the summer. Talk it through with oncologist,  sounds like you have. I'm thinking of you and sending hugs. See how it goes, if your not ready just talk it through with your nurse or oncologist there the one's to advise uou. XX 

How was your Christmas. Ours was lovely the food was very good and enuff,  all full up. But there is always a but, we would all rather have dinner at home, just collapse after lunch not having to travel home. Lol. XXX