I have breast cancer and have been treated with immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy.  Overall side effects have been minimal - no sickness, thinning of hair but not total loss - yet, lowered immunity (1 infection in last 5,months), tiredness. Obviously everyones experience is different but that's mine.   Hope that helps .

Thanks so much for sharing, I’ll pass that on to my Mum, I’m sure she’ll be encouraged to hear that. I hope you’re doing ok x

Hi Sjl82 I too was treated for breast cancer in 2023/24 with immunotherapy alongside chemotherapy.  I did have one allergic reaction to the immunotherapy during active treatment (sudden onset rash and fever) which landed me in hospital for a few days, but quickly treated.  I continued with immunotherapy for a further 7 months after chemo finished in March and after my lumpectomy in April and had very few side effects other than tiredness/fatigue. Certainly nothing in comparison to chemotherapy.  I did have a delayed reaction though about 2 months after my final immunotherapy treatment that caused an "acute kidney injury (AKI)" which basically meant my kidneys were inflamed.  Apparently it is very rare and if it is going to happen it will normally occur during active treatment (I like to be different!).  If any reaction was picked up through the pre-treatment blood tests, immunotherapy treatment would be immediately suspended.  My kidney function is now on the mend with the help of steroids and I'm being closely monitored by oncology and nephrology.  I'm 61 years old.  Of all the potential causes of AKI, they said the one caused by immunotherapy treatment is the most treatable. 

Apparently the immunotherapy drug stays in your system for about 12 months after the final dose, so just something to keep in mind once treatment and regular blood tests have finished.  

All the best to your mum.  I'm sure she will be absolutely fine.  During my cancer "journey" I have discovered that I am likely to be that 1%!  But on the positive side, I have had the all clear which is amazing. 

Carol

Hi Carol, firstly I’m so sorry for the slow reply to this, it’s been a hectic couple of weeks! But my Mum and I saw your post and wanted to say thank you for taking the time to share that with us. It helps to hear other’s experiences although I’m sorry to hear you’re in the 1% club! Congrats on getting the all clear, I hope you’re doing well now.

Mum starts chemo and immunotherapy on Tuesday, so we’re just keeping everything crossed for her now that her experience isn’t too rough!

Many thanks again :)

You're very welcome and no need to apologise. Good luck to your Mum for Tuesday.  Hope all goes smoothly.  She will be well looked after if my experience is anything to go by. 

Carol