I'm a 51 year woman old who has always had great health on my side but in September 2020 I was diagnosed with S3 melanoma so I was offered pembrolizumab in February 2021.
On my third cycle of nine I developed severe facial edema so treatment was postponed for three weeks. Things went down hill on my fourth injection and treatment was immediately stopped.
I developed serious and rare side effects which have been life changing and life threatening for me. And seven months on my condition hasn't improved, if anything it's getting worse.
I developed inflammation of the organs, hypothyroidism, pleural effusions, bilateral pulmonary embolism and many other side effects.
Treatment was fine until I developed side effect and I feel that not enough is still known about thus drug.
I have not been able to work for eight months and this has had a massive impact on my mental health.
I feel like I'm hitting a brick wall every time I  visit the hospital even though the staff that support me are amazing.
I was cancer free after surgery and I think the wrong decision was made to start treatment. None of us think we are going to be that less than 1% but unfortunately I was and now I have to struggle each day to get through the day.
I'm also aware that this treatment is a game changer for some but just be aware.

I'm also wondering if there's another poor sole going through the same side effects as me as it would be great to chat.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment is a long hard road to travel but hopefully we'll all get there. I also know there are people on here with a worse diagnosis than me and I wish you all the best throughout your treatment.