Heyygirl

Thank you for the info. and suggestions. I've had a life of thyroid and adrenal issues so will keep my eye on that. Had most of my thyroid removed years ago and spent several years on steroids for adrenal insufficiency.
It's been one week. No notable changes. In fact, new pain in a different rib. Next infusion is in 2 weeks. Thank you both for your support.

Keep us posted. My mom has had phenomenal results on a sister drug to Keytruda. She is on a clinical trial for Avelumab.
One thing I will suggest right at the outset: make sure your Onc is monitoring your adrenal and thyroid functions. The two are interrelated. Technically, the drug can "rarely" cause impairment of the adrenal or thyroid glands. While this was classified as rare during earlier clinical trials, I am seeing and hearing it more and more often in stories from patients. Adrenal insufficiency and hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are all treatable and correctible with medication, not really a big deal, but it must be monitored so it can be caught. My mom's adrenal impairment went unnoticed until her energy level and appetite dropped dangerously low. Now, it has all been corrected by steroids. Again: rare, not a big deal, but could become a big deal if not caught.
Let us know how Keytruda works for you! Sending all best wishes! <3

Stay the course Heyygirl.
 
I've read good things about Keytruda.  Am betting it is hammering your tumors.  When is your next scan?
 
Tom

I wish I had more answers for what lies ahead also.
 
There is this ever present uncertainty in lung cancer.  I'm a 12 year survivor and wish I had answers for what lies ahead.  In speaking with my oncologist, now more than a friend than a doctor, he validates my uncertainty.  He's seen the disease re-occur in long tenured survivors, and moreover when it does, it rages through the body like water gushing through a failed dam.  I still have two scheduled sessions with him yearly with diagnostics and scanziety and uncertainty.
 
For me, it comes down to this.  When one seeks treatment for lung cancer, one is choosing life.  It won't likely be the life enjoyed before diagnosis, but it will be life.  If life is the choice, then live it.  Embrace the present, discard the past and avoid the future. Do something enjoyable and meaningful each day you have.  Find joy today, wake up tomorrow and find it again.  Examine your reflection in the mirror in the morning and if you don't see an expiration date stamped on your forehead, enjoy the day.  Don't let lung cancer take over your life.
 
You are most welcome here.
 
Stay the course.
 
Tom

Five superb ways to help!
 
I'd add one: Try to find a way to remind your physicians and medical staff who treat you that you are a person, not a patient.  A patient is a "thing".  Too many of us are treated like things.
 
Stay the course.
 
Tom

Heyygirl,
 
Welcome here.  I'm not where you are but have been where you are.  I still have difficulty breathing.
 
Federal government medicine is a mess.  We've got to find a way to take the politics out of medicine.  Pain meds ought to be easily available, especially for those with lung cancer.  I had to jump through hoops to renew my last script for pain meds and I've had them for 12 years.  One would think after that period of time if I were abusing, it would be evident.  But the good bureaucrats at the CDC just assume everyone that takes narcotic medication is Stage I for addiction.  
 
Maybe if the whole lot of them were to experience lung cancer, things might change.
 
I'll get off my soap box.  Stay connected with us.
 
Stay the course.
 
Tom