Cancer Research UK main site

Immunotherapy

Trillium
Offline

Can you work when you are on immunotherapy also can you exercise ? I’m supposed to be starting combined immunotherapy next week for metastic spread from endometrial cancer looking at all the horrific side effects they seem far worse than chemo and that I’m not going to have any quality of life , to say I’m scared is an understatement I’m absolutely petrified especially as I feel incredibly well and I’m also pretty active. 

  • Offline

    Hi

    I take Immunotherapy (Palbociclib and Letrozole) as I have secondary breast cancer in my lungs.  Overall there are a few side effects as there are with many drugs. For me I have wheezing and breathlessness (cancer in lungs) side effects of drugs make me tired and eyes are affected. But every person is different. I know someone in my cancer group who has absolutely no side effects and is enjoying her time off work very much, good sick pay scheme!

    Take it one day at a time. It’ll all come right 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm not sure what sort of immunotherapy your doctors have in mind but unfortunately, all drugs can have side effects and it isn't possible to predict who will get them or to what extent.  A lot of people seem to get on better with immunotherapy than chemotherapy, but we can't say if you will be one of them.

    Some people are able to carry on working during treatment but it's a question of seeing how things go.

    There is always the option of stopping a treatment if it is causing too many side effects or having a big impact on your quality of life. We would always advise that you speak to your doctors or specialist nurse beforehand as they know all about you and can help you to reach an informed decision about what would be best for you.

    I hope things go well for you. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.