chemo pemetrexed and carboplatin

Hi Michelle

Sorry to hear about your mum.

My oncologist has also recommended chemo and immunotherapy for my Stage 4 lung cancer with pembrolizumab, Pemetrexed and Carboplatin. I haven't started as yet, and he is also looking into a clinical trial for me. I've been told I have 18 to 24 months with treatment, possible more as I'm otherwise in good shape.

I'm interested to hear from others that have or have had this treatment.

I hope things go well for your mum and your family.

Vivien

Hi Michelle, 

Sorry to hear about your mum. My dad was diagnosed with stage 3 non small cell lung cancer in February 2022. Initially the docs said they could operate and he'd be fine but when they scanned him they found it was too large a mass and therefore he wouldn't survive the op. He's pretty frail due to complications with his joints so chemo was a no go for him as the risks of clots, heart attack etc were considered to be too much for him. We then were told he'd get 4 weeks radiotherapy, again he'll be fine. Then the news came the dose required would be too big so he wouldn't survive that. I can't begin to explain the rollercoaster of emotions we've all been through. 

I'm delighted to tell you today he is actually doing ok! When his options looked bleak we discussed chemo again and he accepted the risks. The oncologist told us it would be carboplatin and pemetrexed. She began with what she described as a gentle dose back in May which was carboplatin alone. We waited 3 weeks then he had both together for cycle 2. Cycle 3 was delayed by 1 week as he wasn't very well but he managed it the week later, again both drugs. Cycle 4 was pushed back by 1 week as a result of cycle 3 delay and he received only carboplatin at this one. The oncologist followed up with 2 weeks of radiotherapy and he was told last month that his cancer is contained. He'll be back for a scan in November with results due in December. He's trying to live his life as normally as he can just now as he's not receiving any treatment for the cancer currently. It's a mental battle everyday as we know it's still there but he's managing to live with it which at the beginning we never thought was possible.

Everyone's experience is different and we've had some major ups and downs. We're lucky to be a close family and we're learning to live with cancer. Wishing you all the best! Live each day as it comes and have fun with it so you can smile through the tough times x

Hi there , I’m so sorry to hear about your mum , I can see you’ve had replies from others about the treatment , I haven’t started mine yet but just wanted to welcome you to the forum although sorry you find yourself here because of your mums diagnosis …. Hopefully you’ll both find it helpful as you start your mums treatment plan as somewhere you can get support from if you need it …. Elly x

Hi Michelle, welcome to the group but sorry you find yourself here. It is so hard when a loved one gets a cancer diagnoses. I have been on both sides, I supported my mum through cancer, and then a year later I was diagnosed myself. It is tough, and at times I felt numb. It is really important that you get support for yourself once you are supporting your mum. The lung group is a very supportive group, and the people here will be able to share their journey with you. There is also the Supporting someone with incurable cancer forum

which is another supportive group that you can join. There you will be able to connect with other people who are supporting loved ones with their incurable cancer diagnoses. 

You can also chat to someone on the Macmillan support line on 0808 808 00 00. They are available 7 days a week from 8am until 8pm. 

There are many people here who have far outlived their timescale given to them by their consultants. I haven’t had chemo myself, so I cannot comment on that, but I have been in the incurable category now for 8 years.  You can read some of our journeys by clicking on our profile name or picture, and that will take you to our profile page. 

Wishing your mum all the very best on her treatment xx 

Hi Michelle, sorry to hear your mums diagnosis. My hubby was diagnosed stage 4. Nsclc in Jan  and given 3 treatments of carboplatin, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab. Had a couple of negative reaction early days but is niw on maintenance of one chemo and imm7n. His tumor was 55mm on diagnosis and is now 11mm at the last scan. We have just had 4 weeks in Spain so still managing to enjoy life. He was given the treatment as they said he was superfit in that no other health issues and generally very fit for a 78 year old which I think plays a big part. Hope you all the best in your journey

Hi Vivian, you're brave asking for a timeline

I was diagnosed 5 months ago .

I have had 4 cycles of pembromizulab, carboplatin and pemetrexed for nsclc.  The immunotherapy has caused a few problems. I've had to have doses adjusted, and the last treatment was cancelled altogether as it affected my liver 

That's the trouble with immunotherapy. Sometimes it can work too well and as well as having a go at the cancer it can also have a go at your liver, kidneys, thyroid or skin. They then have to stick you on high doses of steroids  to get the bloods normal for the next round 

But touch wood, all my levels appear to be going  back to normal so it's hopefully all systems go for the next round

I'm about to go on pemetrexed and immunotherapy maintenance soon  and have no idea what happens after that .

In also fairly fit, so am hoping they keep giving me treatment for as long as possible 

Bur who knows with the nhs? It's a worry.

Hi Bubs, sounds a similar story to mine. Glad to hear you both had a lovely holiday x

Hi Harabelle

i hope the next round of treatment goes well.

i see my oncologist in 2 days. Hopefully he’ll have found a clinical trial suitable for me, which he says will give my the best chance. Otherwise its the immuno and chemo which he thought i’d tolerate reasonably well.

i feel i can’t plan any thing in my life - it seems one waiting game after another. It’s our wedding anniversary early next week. Think i’ll just plan a couple of nights away and come back in time for my husbands oncology appointment. What a great couple we are!

Hi Harebelle, hope you are getting on ok. Since coming back off hols we have both had covid, even though hubby has had 6 jabs, so this has stopped treatment over the last couple of weeks but hopefully can recommence next week.  He wasn't too bad with symptoms (better than myself) so the vaccines did some good. He is still trying to keep fit and going on his treadmill a couple of times a day. Best wishes for continued progress.

Thanks Bubs.

I've just had another round of treatment. There's one more treatment to go then a scan at end of November.

I don't have any treatment dates after that so not sure what will happen.  

I'm hoping they send me more dates for 3 weekly cycles, but not sure if that's how it works.