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Immunotherapy treatment

Grannyrose
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I’m classed as stage 3 B having had secondary melanoma in the groin.  No other cancer in lymph nodes or surrounding tissue thankfully. I was offered immunotherapy treatment but given the possible side effects, U decided to pot for observation and regular scans.  Spoke with my GP who wasn’t happy to hear that I wasn’t going to have the treatment. I was told that if the cancer did come back, it could metastasise itself onto numerous organs. I changed my mind on hearing this. Had my first treatment over a week ago abd have been perfectly fine since. I also met a lady who was having her final treatment and had never had any side effects that concerned her. This was the first time I’d met someone who has the same surgery as myself and was having the same treatment Pembrolizamab. They call it PEMBRO.  

Sometimes we over think and worry too much and that’s understandable too. I can’t believe how good I feel now that I’ve started the treatment and know I’ve done the right thing for myself.  
Immunotherapy seems to be the new hope for treatments for all types of cancers and the feedback from people I know is excellent and SO encouraging for all of us. 

it’s not easy but if we could all try to stay positive and believe that we will do well, I honestly think that helps with our results. 
Wishing everyone on this journey the very best of good luck. Xx

  • I'm so pleased you decided to go ahead with the immunotherapy Grannyrose, and it's great to hear how well you've been feeling since you started.

    I'm sure a lot of our members who are in a similar situation will be encouraged by feedback so thank you for taking the time to make this post and share your experience with us.

    Keep us updated us on your progress when you can Grannyrose, and we wish you continued success with your treatment.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Thank you so much for your lovely reply. I’m not au fait with navigating this forum.  I replied to a lady recently who was very frightened and had been diagnosed with cancer again. I received a reply from her and I subsequently replied to her. I know she was going into hospital for surgery and badly wanted to wish her well but couldn’t find our messages. I think she’ll be home by now and have been praying for her. Is there any chance you could access the posts?

    Sincere thanks,

    Rosemary  

  • in reply to Grannyrose

    Hi Rosemary, 

    If you click on the activities section of your profile, it will show a list of all the discussions you have posted on. From your recent activity it looks like you may be referring to a member called Freshair and the discussion you were having on their thread 'Scared of what is next - Found out yesterday lymph nodes were cancerous. Operation in two days to remove them'. If you click on the link I've provided, it will take you straight back to that discussion where you can scroll down and continue chatting to her.

    We do have quite a few guides on how to navigate the forum that I hope you will find useful but if you need any further assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi Rose

    Thank you for your encouraging post.

    I'm about to start immunotherapy, albeit a different  drug Libtayo and I'm a bit anxious to say the least about the treatment and possible side effects.

    This despite the oncologist taking great care to let me know how very few patients have any serious side effects and how effective the treatment is at stopping the progression of cancer, allowing a good quality of life. It's heartening to hear positive first hand feedback from someone who is receiving this type of therapy.

    I hope that you continue OK through your therapy and you get good benefit from it.

    Ed

  • Offline in reply to Farmer_Ed

    Thanks Ed

    Im honestly serious when I tell you that this new immunotherapy treatment is a massive breakthrough. I did an awful lot of research and came across some fascinating information. Firstly, scientists are wondering why some people react favourably to the treatment whilst others don’t.  They are now thinking that it’s all to do with a healthy GUT. I am now eating a high fibre diet along with blueberries and seeds for breakfast.   I eat avocado and smoked salmon for lunch and in between enjoy Kefir yogurts and probiotic drinks. Eat all recommended foods that will give you healthy gut bacteria. 

     While taking immunotherapy treatment , advised to avoid OMEPRAZOLE. ( For acid reflux )  Steroids and Antibiotics      

    Get your body into the best state you can,  buy organic eggs, meats, milk. , etc.,

    I hope this information will give you the confidence to get yourself prepared to succeed  

    Jyst remember, You are blessed to be getting this new, miraculous treatment  Jeep positive, keep healthy and keep going .

    All the very best  please keep in touch.  I’m on this treatment too and I’m a happy bunny!!

  • Offline in reply to Grannyrose

    My partner has melanoma and is on pembrolizumab too. He swears by eating good vegetable soup every day. Not the tinned kind. He's been on his treatment for almost 2 years. Stage 4, spread to nodes and another skin location.

    I wish you good luck with the treatment x

  • Offline in reply to Lyns21

    Smart man. I’m delighted to hear he’s eating himself towards good health. We all have to make massive changes regarding our eating habits. No more rubbish. Only natural foods. I used to love packet soup but no more processed foods come into this house. It’s good to hear that the word is getting through. Good healthy gut , mictobiomes. Vital. 
    please wish him all the best. Great treatment.  

  • Offline in reply to Lyns21

    My mum is 81 and has stage 4 colon cancer also in lymph nodes   She has had x2 treatments of pembrolizumab every 6 weeks and already the scan shows the cancer is shrinking in all areas. Which this is such good news.

    The only thing she's struggling with is this :- she gets this swelling and hardness in the stomach 1 hour later she has vomiting we are trying to control this with lactose which stops the vomiting and it release at the other end,  please any advice would be gratefully appreciated.

  • Offline in reply to Halofiveangel

    My partner doesn't have any cancer involvement in his digestive system but since he started pembrolizumab he's had vomiting and digestive upset. The vomiting can be projectile at times. He was prescribed domperidone but it doesn't help much. I wish people on immunotherapy had access to the same side effects controlling prescriptions as those on chemotherapy. I hope your mum's tumours continue to shrink and you find some way of controlling the vomiting and discomfort x

  • Offline

    I was given 5 months to live back in 2016 when diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer. I did a clinical trial with infusions of pembrolizumab and ramuciromab every 3 weeks  for 2 years. I am still here, good luck.

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