Hi ZOSO

Im receiving Cemiplimab for cutaneous SCC that has metastasised to my bones and lung and was locally advanced on my head where it is untreatable due to  previous radiotherapy to the area. 

Despite the long list of possible side effects I only get the 2 most common ones. A skin rash which is manageable with creams and lotions and fatigue which is also manageable. For me this is regular bedtimes and a short nap at lunchtime or when needed. Occasionally it lasts all day but does not stop me getting on with life just moving more slowly. 

While it is not a cure it has so far stopped the advance of existing cancer and stopped the spread of cancer to new areas as shown on 2 scans 6 months apart. The multiple small lesions on my head have dissapeared completely.

The infusion by canula in the back of your hand takes 30 minutes but allow 1.5 hours for preparation etc. It is painless. 

The schedule is 3 weekly with a blood test a few days before. Initially you get 6 months treatment which can be extended up to 2 years provided that it is still effective and is not causing major side effects. The oncologist says that the benefits can continue long after treatment stops as your immune system has learned to attack cancer cells.

Ive had 12 cycles of Cemiplimab to date with 2 cycles postponed due to overactive immune system at the start of treatment. I also get a Denosumab injection to protect my bones which does not seem to give any additional side efects.

I hope that this is of some help to arrive at your decision. Personally I'd say Do not hesitate to take this incredible treatment you have been offered. 

Ed

Hi Farmer Ed

Thank you so much for getting in touch it’s been very helpful I hope you continue positively with your treatment 

mine spread from an original CSCC on my head to my parotid gland I had surgery to remove that and 27 lymph nodes in my neck then 7 weeks of radio therapy had a PET CT scan where they found it had metastasised to my lungs now waiting for the immunotherapy 

ZOSO