Immunotherapy for stage 4 lung cancer

Hello,

 

So I have posted quite a few times over the past 7 months. But I will do a little recap. 
 

My amazing grandad (72) was shockingly diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer back in November. The diagnosis actually came from a swollen lymph node in his neck - so as you can imagine to find out it was lung cancer was a terrible shock to us all. Fast forward 6 month, he has completed 4 rounds of chemo, which sent the cancer into an inactive stage. He has just had his first scan in 3 month and we have discovered that the cancer in his lung is stable - no spread. However a couple of the lymph nodes in his chest have increased in size. Obviously it's not the news we hoped to hear, however it's not all bad. His consultant has advised he is to start immunotherapy in 3 weeks. We are happy this is an option as the chemo hit him hard and originally we were told his PL levels weren't high enough to go ahead with the immunotherapy. 
 

My question is what should we expect from the immunotherapy? I know everyone is different and everyone's experience will differ, but, I don't know much about it at all. We have been told this could potentially prolong his life for up to 2 years (as that's the maximum time it can be given for?) if treatment is effective. Without immunotherapy we have been told he wouldn't be here by Christmas, so it's a no brainer.


Initially he has was given 3-6 month life expectancy without treatment, but thankfully the chemo actually was more effective than his care team expected it to be. We are so very thankful to be in this position and every day is a blessing. He's a very strong man and he's fought an incredible fight. 
 

sending love to everyone who is fighting their own battle xx

  • Hi T16d4wn,

    It sounds like you are dealing with this positively and it's good to hear he is eligible for treatment. I would encourage you to try to speak to your grandad's doctor/specialist about this as they will be best placed to advise specifically to him.

    You may also wish to speak to one of our nurses to get their thoughts and advice. If so, you can reach them on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi,  I am new on here, but wanted to reply as I've been on immunotherapy for lung cancer. Initially I was on chemo and immunotherapy, but on my last scan( after 3 months of treatment) my cancer was found to be stable too. So I am now just on immunotherapy once every 3 weeks, ( blood test 2 days before) and it is much easier than the chemo. Less side effects I found... also takes a lot less time ! 
    I have a chat with my oncologist in a weeks time to see how it's going, and then 2 more treatments and then another scan. Good luck with the treatment hope it goes well for him x  Hope that answers a few questions, anything else you'd like to know just ask x

     

  • Hi there, 

     

    welcome to the forum. Thank you so much for your reply, I really really appreciate it. First of all good luck with your appointment, I hope you get the news you are hoping for. Your post has filled me with hope and was basically what I was looking to hear! I don't know a lot about immunotherapy and have heard a lot of mixed views about it (I guess just like chemo really). I'm so glad it's working for you and hopefully the same outcome for my grandad. 
    take care now xx

  • Hi.... thanks for your reply, I've got my fingers crossed for my next scan ! Hopefully your grandad will respond well to the immunotherapy with little or no side effects. I find I get tired easily, but probably because I'm doing too much...( still got my allotment !). Keep strong, and fighting !x