Keytruda versus Pemetrexed Cisplatin

Hi 

For me immunotherapy, was so much kinder, than chemo, i did two different  combs of chemo.  and i had better results. with it, than the chemo., though i was put on chemo first at the time, did not have a choice,

that is what NICE guide lines where.

Though other people react differently, hope others come along, with their views.

Thank you so much for your very helpful and quick response. I only have till Wed to confirm yay or nay to Oncologist. Chemo hospitalised me and was stopped mid cycle, but could not face being that ill again for only a tiny gain. Wish you well.

Hi,

I was on Keytruda for 5 years (3-week intervals, 81 cycles completed 04.12.22) so I guess I'd better reply.

You don't get all the side effects listed by Merck, and those that you do get vary in intensity. It really is a lucky dip - it's different for each person and some people don't get any. When it comes to cancer therapy though, if you're in the 1-in-5 then Keytruda really is king of the hill.

The side effects you do get can be managed somewhat if you are of a scientific mind: figure it out... Your immune system does need to complain about the tumour, but not so much about anything else. The side effects are the immune system complaining about things that it doesn't need to. Example: itchy skin - experiment with your shower gel, toiletries, laundry detergent and conditioner, clothing material, anything that touches you. If you do it properly it's one thing at a time, off then on then off again. This takes a long time - but if the drug works for you then yippee you actually get that time. Remember, it's not about doing all the things we are told we should do - instead it's about humouring an immune system that is paranoid.

kind regards
Steve

Many thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

As Steve has replied, yes it is your own immune system, that is what they call jumped started, to recognise the cancer, and that, it should not be there, yes i had terrible skin, but i did combat it, i finished my last treatment December 2018.  No growth till Jun 2021, had 13  sessions radiotherapy, nothing since.

As my oncologist said, chemo is poison that you will be getting.

I wish you well on your choice. 

Thank you Ellie. Any particular skin products you recommend?

Janet

I did try everything, and had creams, from chemo unit.

My skin was so dry and itchy, when i stretch it all bleed.

Some one on this group recommended some thing, which i have never heard of, and you will laugh when i tell you.

It was called udderley smooth, a farmer came up with it, for his cows when miking and  they got cracked  nipples, see your  laughing.

You can only buy, on Amazon i had original Formula, i still use it today, and always rub in on my legs and arms. 

Non greasy and goes straight into skin, and only need small; amount, have never bought a different cream since.

White and red tub.

Hope this helps, I bought one couple months ago about £16.00, and been using every day since.