I too was on Pembrolazumab and completed my two years last September. When I started my treatment it was all explained to me that although it was 2 year treatment it would be stopped if there was any progression or it became too toxic. It’s a very daunting feeling to come to the end of your 2 years and you’re correct it does put a panic in you but in reality that worry has been there for the whole treatment because everything seemed to hang on those three monthly scans. I’m told it stays in your system for about 12 months and hopefully by now our immune system is doing what it’s been trained to do. The panic will subside at some point although I’m sure the anxiety is here to stay.
I was told I could have it for up to two years if it kept working. I started on it in November along with 4 doses of chemo. And since January I go every 3 weeks. Have you just finished?
Hi Holls, i have been on for 2 years with great results, and wasnt told it would only be for that period, came as a bit of a shock to be it had ended! No more treatment, they will just keep an eye on me! Good luck with yours.
As it has been some months since this post, may I ask how is it going for you?
My dad has been on pembrolizumab for 2.5 years now, but despite lung cancer having shrunk by 80%, he is getting weaker every day and perhaps it would be wise to consider stopping the treatment.
Im doing well, it’s 15 months now since I finished my treatment and have been stable for over 2 years now.
Sorry to hear your dad is not doing so well, I notice from another post that you are in Poland, throughout my treatment and since finishing I have had 3 monthly scans and blood tests, does the same happen with your dad, if so it’s strange that they have not picked up on the problems he is having. I hope things get sorted soon for you Dad Take care
Thanks for getting back to me. Great news about how you're doing - this is an excellent result!
As for my dad, yes, they check him every 3 months and all results are great. The more I talk to people who went through the same treatment, the more it seems like the back issues might be related to osteoporosis he had in the past, 50 years of "dentist position" etc. On the other hand, losing strength and getting very slow seems to be related to pembrolizumab.
One more question if I may - did the therapy affect your energy, strength, speed etc.? Was there any difference after finishing it?
I think I was one of the lucky ones, I had no side effects, not even any tiredness and since stopping I’m feeling really well, hopefully it will continue
Your dad is doing well also, he’s been going as you say for 2.5 years on Pembrolazumab and I’m sure the other problems he’s having could be managed better for him, let us know how you both get on
