Immunotherapy

Hi Debra,

The thing with immunotherapy side effects is that the usual rulebook has to be thrown out. Doing all the right things isn't the way to go, rather it's an issue of finding out which usually right things are now wrong on immunotherapy. Finding out what the triggers are can feel like a science project and everyone is different.

I addressed fatigue with exercise and mild supplementation with Creatine Monohydrate. That didn't completely fix things but it made a difference. Any old exercise seems to work, 30 minutes activity a day, simply walking is great.

Aches, especially in the joints, are best reduced with Ibuprofen because that's anti-inflammatory. Do not take on an empty stomach.

I didn't experience actual sickness but my appetite pretty much disappeared and I just couldn't face a lot of foods. I adjusted my diet accordingly, and once I had found what I could manage to eat I stuck with that. Meals ended up a bit monotonous but I survived. There are medications from the doctor for nausea, too.

Lastly, the very first thing to do is note down all the symptoms and discuss them with the oncologist.

kind regards
Steve

Hi Steve 

Thank you for your reply. My husband doesn't sleep as much if he goes for a walk, but at the moment he can just about get up the stairs. So yes walking and fresh air is great for fatigue and also psychologically it gives him a boost. 

The sickness he had everytime with chemo and as he only had his last chemo three weeks ago, I'm wondering if it's still around. 

As for eating, he picks, which is better than nothing, but mostly empty foods. It's hard to cook for myself and the kids meat and two veg and he only fancies a plate of chips. 

I'll look into the supplements and get some ibuprofen and the consultant is calling him on Wednesday, but he always speaks to me, so I'll update him and maybe they may need to lower the dose. 

Thanks again and I hope you do well