jack14

I have been on Keytruda since May of 2019 and my first side effects were a week after my first infusion. Pain and stiffness in my right wrist, constipation, and some mouth sores. Later I experienced some profound itching in my shins and behind my knee, and a few times some fatique, and heavy night sweats. But the side effects have lessened over time....

Yes very informative!

Thanks Lou

I wonder if my thyroid issue is causing the constpation and partial blockage, or maybe it's adhesions from my AAA surgery five years ago? I have a ventral incissional hernia and the CT revealed some small intestine poking through but no occlusion. "Stomach/Bowel: Stoma ch is within normal limits. Appendix is not clearly visualized and may be surgically absent. No evidence of bowel wall thickening, distention, or inflammatory changes. Other: Midline ventral hernia containing nonobstructed loops of small bowel. No abdominopelvic ascites."

Well, I had the CT scan (barium swallow) nc. and surprisingly, the results were posted on my portal the next day. The radioogist saw no evidence of any intestinal problems. I see my doctor Tuesday and will see what our next step is.... I also saw in my lab work that they did before the scan that my TSH is 7.0...oh joy, sounds like I have hypothyroidism. Probably from the immunotherapy. But at least there wasn't a tumor involved.

More research than ever in regards to targeted therapy seems to be happening...at warp speed!

https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/johnson-johnson-rybrevant-bispecific-antibody-pipeline/600696/?fbclid=IwAR1-INKB_HlAFqnl3uTG-bSirJoY3dpjYiuLhAPj2-gjDYdTOU-Y99kcsYc

Chloraseptic sore thrat spray helps numb my mouth pretty good so I can brush. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Chloraseptic-Sore-Throat-Spray-Cherry-Flavor-6-fl-oz/11047056?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222222000047861&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=10360330176&wl4=pla-1103070677413&wl5=&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=11047056_0&wl14=Chloraseptic sore thrat spray&veh=sem&msclkid=7f93ac8daefa112fd891cc1aafe7531c&gclid=7f93ac8daefa112fd891cc1aafe7531c&gclsrc=3p.ds

I just read where Dr Andrew Weil, (my go to source for nutrition info) says that they have discovered that Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, have a compound that prevents cancer, that is so potent that it is being researched for use as a chemotherapy agent. He also believes that organic vegetables are especially beneficial for cancer patients not just because they lack chemical compounds that come from herbicides and pesticides, but these plants develop more intense phytonutrients to protect themselves from diseases, predators like birds and insects, and the sun. And these componds are beneficial to us. onsuming less red meats, and refined sugars etc are also important in this integrative medicine approach. Consuming the good nuts, and oils, and a good assortment of various colored fruits and vegetables is a key too.

How do you get your B6 and B12 vitamins? Salmon? I read that B6 in particular is a potent cancer fighter. I think from what I have read that refined sugar and carbs messes with the insulin production and insulin - like growth factors and that can effect cancer cell division and inflamation.

Thanks Michelle that sounds reasonable to me and worthy of checking out.

Greetings folks I was wondering what you guys think about the nutritional shakes like Ensure, Boost, Glucerna, and Walmart's Equate? I asked my Oncologist about them because I was concerned that the excess protein might hurt my kidneys. They are not those of a spring chicken by any measure as I border on CKD. Well, she said "no worry about that" and she went on to say that she is a strong believer in their use by her patients. Infact she seemed pleased that I was consuming them. I was initially attracted to them because I am experiencing that chronic constipation issue, that has plagued me forever, and seems to be getting worse. So, I decided to try a liquid diet, for a few days, and give my GI tract a rest, and maybe reset things. I was drinking more and more Mag Cit along with daily Miralax and Senote tabs, than I was comfortable with. Anyway, the change has seemed to help some, although I still have issues. I am due for my quarterly serial chest CT scan, and I asked the Onc if she would add my abdomen and pelvis to it, because it has been awhile since we looked down there. That is a go, and i hope that whatever is causing this constipation is something benign. I believe it is a partial obstruction which could be a few things... I am trying to think positive. Getting back to the drinks, interestingly, I found that the "Boost for Men" is aptly named as it has definitely given me a boost! I am more motivated and energetic after drinking one than I have in a log while. No ephederine or caffeine in them as far as I know, either, which is a huge no no for me. Good carbs and vitamins only. I think maybe the sugar and the B vitamins might have something to do with the lift? I remember an emergency physican in his thirties that worked in our local Emergency Department a few years back, gee, now that I think on it, more than a few years back! More like thirty or more....smh Anyway, he literally lived on Ensure. Said it had everything that he needed. I wouldn't care to live on them, and the taste is an accquirred one. They aren't cheap and I don't believe that is healthy in the long run to over indulge, but as a supplement, I think they have some great value. Any feed back is appreciated. Jack

Yes, many thanks!