Head and neck

Hi Dbjones. Sounds as thought the immunotherapy is doing its work as the doctor wants you to continue.  Cancer being stable is a good thing as it means it is not progressing. I'm sorry that it looks like you might not regain your voice and swallow. That must be hard. I know there are people on this forum who have been having immunotherapy for a few years and are doing well.Speak more to your doctor and get him to answer all your questions so you fully understand about how things are for you. It might be a difficult conversation but your doctor may also be able to put your mind at rest abut a possible future prognosis. The not knowing is the hardest I found. I have had 3 occurrences of jaw cancer and there is always a chance of more but the future is unknown as no one knows how things might play out. Consequently I am enjoying my new normal life to the fullest. I decided that worrying about the future meant that I was not enjoying the present and that was such a waste. 

Sending you positive thoughts

Lyn

Thank you so much for your comment means a lot. My partner also said that it was good news that it was stable. Im too scared to ask questions to the consultant incase he gives me an answer that would break me.its so difficult. But like you said for him to be wanting to carry on with the immuno and not see me for another 3 months cant all be doom and gloom. 

Dbjones said:

Not sure what to make of it all .

Don't despair.We have a forum member who had two years of Pembro and is alive well and NED two years later

If it's stabe on immunotherapy,  perhaps you should push to add additional therapy to it.  Radiation, chemo?  Surely the more things you have killing the cancer the more chance of eliminating it.  Apart from that, research anything you can do in regards to making your immune system stronger to help things along.  Diet, supplements, exercise, etc.  

Hi Dbjones,

1. I have just seen your post from 2 months ago and hope your throat cancer is still showing stability. My partner has just started immunotherapy (he's had 2 sessions so far) as unfortunately his head and neck cancer has spread to some bones plus come back in his lymph glands in his neck. My question is if you don't mind me asking is have you had any side effects from the pembro and if so, is fatigue one of them? My partner is definitely finding himself more fatigued since starting this treatment plus he's noticed a taste change and more of a dry mouth. Have you or are you experiencing similar? Best wishes. Susan