Stage IV – Ketoacidosis

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Stage IV – Ketoacidosis

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 4 years ago by Lucas.

Post

- April 17, 2020 at 12:17 pm
- Quote
jennifer83
Participant
Hello all,

Just wanted to give an update. After 4 ipi/nivo infusions, we switched to a double dose of nivo and my vision went to hell. Started seeing double. They managed it with steroids and pulled me off of cancer treatment. Last week, I had a nasty reaction and landed in the ER, then ICU, with a terrible case of diabetic ketoacidosis. My sugar levels were above 600. I had been feeling yucky for about a day and a half. My husband called the doc when he could hardly wake me up any longer. I had no idea what was going on… lost a day or two of memory. They had to put an emergency PIC line in me. And just like that, overnight, I’m a Type 1 Diabetic that is now insulin dependent. What a crazy whirlwind. I was in the hospital five days. They are slowly taking me off of the steroids and I’m learning to be a diabetic with diet, finger pricks, and insulin. They have halted all cancer treatment as my doctor feels that the immunotherapy will continue to work and will just monitor me with scans. i’m nervous, but have seen promising things so I must trust the doc.

I can live with diabetes if I’m cancer free. Currently working from home with this Covid-19 crisis, and I feel lucky to be able to maintain work while going through all this. Checking in on the board often, just have been too busy to message y’all on your posts. Keep fighting the good fight!

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- - April 17, 2020 at 4:19 pm
  - Quote
  tedtell1
  Participant
  Good morning, FYI this may not be the new normal for you. I had to go on steroids due to developing colitis during my Nivo treatments. I developed diabetes as well. About six months later off the treatments and off the steroids, my blood sugars returned to normal. Not sure if this will happen for you, but it sure is possible. Hoping and praying for you!!
  - April 19, 2020 at 9:55 pm
    
    Quote
    Lucas
    Participant
    
    I developed type 1 diabetes after 5 infusions of adjuvant Keytruda. I eventually progressed to stage 4 and had a complete response to the combo iPi/nivo. Type 1 is probably one of the worst side effects because it’s permanent. However it is one of the many side effects I’m here with. I wouldn’t change my journey and am just happy very happy to be alive. My diabetes has been frustrating at times, but very manageable. I’m glD I developed it as an adult and not a child, it is made much easier with technologies like a continuous glucose monitor. Lastly I continue on novo still with no further complications or side effects.

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