My right kidney was removed 9 weeks ago. It was grade 2 with intermediate risk. A 25% risk of reoccurring within 5 years. Have been offered Pembo immunotherapy starting on 18th Dec. It will be every 6 weeks treatment lasting 1 year.
I am wondering is there anyone out there who has been on Pembo and how is it working out for them.
many thanks,
Sandysea
Hi Del
Like you, I'm on that drug - but just had 1 session so far. Early days, but like you the itching has been really bad, but only on the back for some reason! Scalp has become flaky as well. And - like you - no other allergies to speak of (well, apart from penicillin...).
The specialist did say that more side effects could happen once the treatment has been completed. Deep joy.
Good luck with it Michael. These treatments have to be powerful to take on cancer. Our bodies are amazing in how hard they try to cope with everything we throw at them.
Totally agree Del - it's weapon's grade stuff that they are injecting.
Oh - while I think of it...did you get a mid-term phone call (that is, between each session) to ask how the treatment was going? I was supposed to get one last Friday afternoon but it didn't happen - could be a doctor's strike spin off??
Thanks,
Hi Michael I get a review phone call 2 weeks after each treatment to check on how im feeling and if any side effects . Hopefully because yours was due a friday they will call tomorrow but if you dont hear tomorrow i think you should ring your oncology dept all the best .
Hope you got your dr review call Michael and side effects minimal.
Hi Artful
All OK really - itchy skin and insomnia are the only issues thankfully.
Next treatment 2 weeks Monday.
How's things with you?
Yes the same. the tablets they gave me haven't really helped much . Just learning to live with it and trying to keep busy to take mind off itching And if i dont have a nap in afternoon that helps with the sleeping at night . At least no bigger problems for now
Had 4th pembrolizumab today much quicker appointment as moved to a morning slot all went well .although Feel the tiredist I have felt after so far . They precibed me some more antihistamines ( fexofenadine hydrochloride) as I found they did start to help after a week . Gonig in three weeks again and will have 400 mg and be 6 weeks after from then on .depending on side effects . Hope all goes well for everyone else on treatment .fingers crossed.
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