Adjuvant Pembrolizumab (Pembro)

Hi Sandy Sea

Had a full left nephrectomy in early July 23, I have the Pembo evry 6 weeks and have had 3 treatments. Apart from the tiredness Ive been experiencing constant itching and very dry skin. Driving me mad but I guess its best to try and lessen the chances of getting the cancer again. They said that it would reduce its chances from 60% down to 40% within 5 years

Not sure of the type of cancer but it was aggresive in the left kidney - I havent had a sore mouth at all, as I said Ive had 3 treatments and my issue is the constant itcjing and dry skin. Have been trying various creams and I think the E45 anti itching works a bit better than the others although none of them seem to work that well at all.

Yes, I agree itching is terrible especially  at night got my 3 rd treatment  Thursday  will ask  about creams  .told them about my sore mouth and they said they will give me  some mouthwash on Thursday . Good wishes to everyone  .   

Im due for treatment again at the end of January, Im going to ask them if the itching gets progressively worse as the treatments go on or if this is its peak.

Hi Sandysea

i am about to have dose #5 of a 9 dose plan following a diagnosis of St 3 melanoma. Like you, I weighed up the pros and cons of treatment and the long list of side-effects. Have to say that so far (touch wood) it has been pretty manageable. No sickness, diarrhoea or rashes. Just tiredness for couple of weeks post treatment and then gradually pick up until the next one. Consultant has warned me that side effects can come on suddenly so know I’m not completely out of the woods but so far so good. Thought you might appreciate a positive report. I am 58 and still managing to work but employers have been very supportive and so I am doing less but feels important to me to keep things as near to normal as possible.

my next one is 13.1 so bloods next week to check all is well and then I’ll be over the half way point.

really hope that your experience is as positive. Sending best wishes.

jane x

My husband used Corsodyl toothpaste and Corsodyl mouthwash got mouth problems. The only thing that worked .

Hi jane glad you've had no serious  side effects  .   Is your dose every 3 wks or 6 . . I'm worried  that if they double the dose and I go to 6 weekly that will  caused more side effects  just have to see I supose .got my 3 rd dose today at 3  . was told iif all goes well might be change to 6 weekly .  

Hi yang they said they will give me something  today but will try your suggestion  if that doesn't help thankyou  

Meant to ask also has anyone  else' on pembrolizumab  had thinning and britle hair .?

Hi, is anyone here being treated with Pembro at Guys Hospital in London? Asking as that's where I will be having mine whenever it starts. Thanks!