I have been on immunotherapy ( Keytruda) for 3 1/2 years. The only side effect I seem to have is being tired the week after treatment. I was going every three weeks now I’m going every six weeks. Feel blessed that my body is responding so well to this drug.

Hi
I was on immunotherapy until my own immune system attacked itself. But I will. E resuming immunotherapy in June damage done to adrenals will be on hydrocortisone probably rest of life. But upside is immunotherapy will help keep cancer from returning ! I was diagnosed in Sept 2023 stage 4 Metastatic on both adrenal glands. I. December Pet scan all rumored resolved! I believe it was both chemo and Immunotherapy which made that possible. My Dr believes this as well. My goal is to reach 10 yr longevity or more. So we'll see. Don't be afraid because of my problem it's very rare! Side effects overall are minimal. Believe in your cancer team.

Hi Don,
I hear you on the miles/gas. I logged 2220 miles over 37 days going to and from the radiation clinic when I had throat cancer. And it is because of the damage the radiation did to my neck that I will never have more than 5 radiation treatments on a body part. I doubt I can have ANYMORE radiotherapy after what I was exposed to. I'll take chemo of any kind before that.
I too did chemo+immunetherapy for Stage 4 SCC NSCLC, in 2022, and have continued with the Keytruda immunotherapy since. I regained my hair after the chemo, but it has thinned out dramatically now. I also have chronic fatigue. It started with the radiotherapy, eased up quite a bit, then hit me hard with the chemo-immunotherapy. Nowadays, I can't make it through the day without a nap and still feel tired again within 4-5 hours. But I'm almost 2 1/2 years without reoccurrence of disease, so I'm happy.
Stay positive!
Tony

Hi Don. I have Stage 4B NSCLC diagnosed September 2023. I have finished the chemo plus Keytruda and am just on the Keytruda. Yesterday was my fourth cycle. Today I am a little tired but that’s my only side effect. Even my anemia from the chemo is slowing resolving. The Keytruda did cause a thryroiditis so my synthyroid keeps needing to be adjusting but that (at least in my eyes) is not a big deal.
Good luck with your immunotherapy.

Don, I have stage IV non small cell lung cancer and have been on Keytruda for 5 years. The only side effect I've ever had is being extremely tired that night and the next day. I've been told that it is really rare not to have any other side effects. So maybe you'll be another one who has no side effects also! Stay strong!