Chemo on hold - so scared.

Hiya

i know how you are feeling, I was in the same situation, your kidney function will improve but it can take a few weeks for me it took 6 weeks for improvement. You get little blips in the road like this,

take care 

Donna

Hi Kaycee

I am in the same boat as you. 

Twice now I've had to have a reduced dose because the combination of chemo and Immunotherapy has affected my kidneys (am on the exactly the same combination as you) for nsclc.

In fact the Oncologist has requested  another extra blood test to see whether my levels are OK to continue wirh my next cycle.

I hate the not knowing whether things can go ahead or not.

You'd think there was something they could give you to protect the kidneys whilst undergoing treatment!

If you ever need to chat, I'm here.

Xxx

Thank you so much Hamhat for your reply - it really helps. Yes I hope it is just a blip, I know I must keep positive.

You take care also.

Kay

Hi Harebellle

Thank you so much for your reply - it really helps.

Yes it is the not knowing - having all the dates for treatment on the calendar and then having to scrape them. While I hated the after effects of Chemo I felt safe having it done. As you say just a waiting game which is a nightmare.  Thank you once again and you take care. Good luck.

XXXXX

Hi Kaycee

My treatment has also been put on hold. I was supposed to be having treatment early next week, but had a phone call earlier to say its been cancelled.

They're putting me on steroids to sort things out amd hopefully I will be alright for the next cycle. 

Previously it was my kidneys playing up but they're fine this time,  This time the immunotherapy has decided to have a go at my liver!!

I have to go in for a few tests (ultrasound) to rule some things out, plus take the steroids and have regular blood tests until my levels are normal.

On the plus side I've just been told my latest scan shows a big reduction in tumour size.  Whoop whoop!! :)

My takeaway from all this is - Even though its not great the way the immunotherapy can attack various organs and delay treatment, the key point to remember is that its Doing Something! If its attacking the good then it must also be attacking the bad areas, right? In other words  Its working!  A response is happening.

My (obviously non medical) opinion  is  -  surely its far worse to sail through all the blood tests and find out that the immunotherapy hasn't done anything -  No responses, Good or Bad 

Also , I'm using the 'free' couple of weeks to do things that I previously put on hold because of risk of infection, due to treatment. So it's good from that point of view.

A couple of weeks of freedom and no fatigue will be good. Every cloud and all that .

We seem to be going through similar experiences! Xxx

Hiya

just wondering how your feeling now. If you get chance and you feel up to it please update.

hugs for now

Donna xxx

Hi Sorry not been around. All sounds the same as here but yours is more complicated - kidneys and liver! and yes I am taking advantage of the 'holiday' Been on steroids going to have a blood test in about 10 days time to see if any change but just got to go with the flow. After the feeling of utter hopelessness I feel a bit more relaxed especially knowing there are people out there going through the same  thing and worse - not on my own. I suppose I just want to get it all done but it doesn't work like that does it?  I am so pleased about the reduction in your tumour size - you have reason to whoop!.

I really hope all goes well with the next lot of blood tests. Thinking of you.

XXXX

Hi Kaycee, 

All my blood tests are quickly getting back to normal. I should start the steroid taper next week and then hopefully it will be all systems go for the next cycle. Fingers crossed for you as well xx

Funnily enough my kidneys were fine this time, jwas mainly liver and thyroid levels a bit out of whack.

I'm basically living like a monk at the moment. No cakes, biscuits, salty things, no white bread and potatoes, watching my potassium intake, and no alcohol. Lots of lean protein, fruit and veg. And Lots of water.

I'm trying to do everything I can to help.

Not easy when the steroids make you ravenous!