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.

Maurice, your message is SO heartening and a joy to read. I’m on Pembrolizamab. Only had one so far and due to have my next one at the end of next week. ( 6 weekly). The only side effect I’ve experienced so far is a slight itch on my shoulders and chest. Nothing to complain about. Absolutely no tiredness at all. I know it’s early days but I’m staying positive. 

With regard to the other 2 posts re vomiting, I’m wondering if a good high fibre diet would help.  It’s very important to have a healthy gut. I’d recommend drinking probiotic drinks to see if this helps. It’s a ghastly thing to live with and my heart goes out to anyone who has it. 

Maurice, your message is SO heartening and a joy to read. I’m on Pembrolizamab. Only had one so far and due to have my next one at the end of next week. ( 6 weekly). The only side effect I’ve experienced so far is a slight itch on my shoulders and chest. Nothing to complain about. Absolutely no tiredness at all. I know it’s early days but I’m staying positive. 

With regard to the other 2 posts re vomiting, I’m wondering if a good high fibre diet would help.  It’s very important to have a healthy gut. I’d recommend drinking probiotic drinks to see if this helps. It’s a ghastly thing to live with and my heart goes out to anyone who has it. 

I am glad that you find my post helpful and as for side effects I experienced none to speak of, just got very tired after the first few infusions. Immunotherapy is a very elegant solution if you respond to it. As Cabbages1 touches on, the cancer cells mimic friendly cells with proteins which is why your immune system doesn't kill them. Instead it binds to them thinking they are friendly, Pembrolizumab takes the brakes off by closing the receptors which enables the immune system to now recognise the enemy and destroy it. All I can say is I was so happy to be given the chance with pembrolizumab when it was still in the experimental stage and not yet available on the NHS.

I'm glad you got it, Maurice. I hope your immune system keeps fighting it for good x

That’s very good to hear you didn’t experience bad side effects. I’m having my first treatment of Pembrolizumab on 19th November. It’s daunting of course, but I’m optimistic now. Hopefully my cancer is all gone, as my kidney was removed and had clear margins, but it’s an aggressive tumour so I’m glad to have further protection with immunotherapy. Hopefully my CT scan on Mon 15th November is ok.

We’re lucky this treatment is available to us all. Good luck, stay well. 

As far as my infusions went the worst part was when they put the iv cannula in (as I am not fond of needles) but only a mild discomfort, then I could eat, drink watch tv or even dose off during the session. Good luck with the scan and getting the pembrolizumab will a breeze.

Me too, thank you.

Thank you very much. Will post again after my first session.