Immunotherapy - what to expect

Hi MrsJP

I'm not a member of this group, as I have a different type of cancer, but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet.

I've done a search in the group for any posts which mention 'atezolizumab and bevacizumab' and found that Hope_2021 is the most recent person to have mentioned these drugs. I have 'tagged' them into my reply to you and hope they will come on and tell you about their father's experiences with these drugs.

Wishing you all the best

x

Hi, I had my second cycle of this yesterday and am hoping it gives me more time with family and friends. I cant really give any advice on what to expect as I am early in the cycles of it. However, watch out for any side effects and make sure that you tell your team about any so that they can advise and give meds if needed. Make sure you rest when your body tells you to. wishing you all the best 

Hi dancing queen - thanks for the reply. My husband had his first treatment last week. So far the side effects seem to be a nasty cough and tiredness.

How are you doing after your second treatment? Hopefully your side effects are manageable for you and you feel able to be around family and friends in the new kind of normal we are all adapting too.

Take care x

Hi MrsJP, I am ok, tiredness is definitely one of the side effects I have. I have also had mouth ulcers for about three weeks so am hoping the meds they have given me will start to work their magic soon. They are manageable so am trying to make the most of my time with family and friends as much as I can

Hi Mrs JP

I was diagnosed with Liver cancer following a check for Prostate Cancer.

It turned out that I have prostate cancer which has spread to the lungs and is regarded as Stage 4

I am on a 3-weekly cycle of atezolizumab & bevacizumab and on my 6th cycle.  This is for the Liver and Lungs

I also have a hormone implant every 3 months for the prostate

The feedback from my oncologist has been very positive with a detected reduction in tumour size to lungs and no further spread in liver

I recognise that no cure is available and will be on treatment for ever

I do find that I am exhausted for a couple of days after treatment

Hi Olly,

So glad you’re getting positive feedback from your oncologist and thank you for sharing your experience. My husband seemed to cope with his first treatment well - he had a slight cough beforehand which really ramped up causing us both a lack of sleep which added to any tiredness he felt. He has his second treatment next week. 
As you say, we know it’s not a cure but it gives us hope for some kind of future - however long.

I really hope you continue on the positive path.

Thanks for response. My next treatment is next Friday. I have had a good week, managing to get out with friends or family most days.  Today I have overdone it --I must learn to stop when my body says NO. My Oncologist has advised me not to go out for meals or have takeaways -- there goes another pleasure. Great grandson had his first inoculations today.  Been told to keep away for 2 weeks (have had conflicting times but intend to play it safe).  I am now going to completely chill over the weekend...I am so grateful for the way the NHS is supporting me so well.

Hope your husband gets on OK with his treatment.  He is lucky to have a strong and caring wife to look after him.  Don't forget to have some time to yourself though  

Hi Mrs JP,

My husband is recieving immunotherapy for bi lateral liver cancer which is mid/ late stage. He started on the same drugs in February but had problems in April (toxic liver) and June ( stomach tear) which resulted in hospital stays. His oncologist removed bevacizumab from his treatment and continued with atezolizumab only and he's had no problems since. Bevacizumab is known to cause both problems, so look out extreme tiredness and sudden swelling of the stomach and pain. Hope this helps. 

Hi, thanks for your message - that’s something to look out for. So far my husband has had two treatments and tiredness has been the noticeable side effect. His third treatment is this week so we’re looking forward to a quiet Christmas. I hope your husband’s treatment continues without any further problems.

Hi Olly, I hope you are continuing to have good weeks with your treatment and that you are able to see your great grandson again after his inoculations. My husband is onto his third treatment next week and then we are looking forward to a quiet Christmas. I hope you can enjoy your Christmas with family and friends.