The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

What to expect for very active 54 year old on Keytruda

Forums General Melanoma Community What to expect for very active 54 year old on Keytruda

  • Post
    quickcuda6
    Participant

      Hello everyone and thanks for your information.  My situation:  54 year old male.  Stage IIIB melanoma of neck. Approved for participation in Keytruda arm of ongoing trial and start infusions next week.  Work out 500 minutes per week (cardio and weights).  Shift worker.  My question has to do with life style changes during treatment.  Now I do understand that everyone reacts differently but can I reasonable expect to be able to continue my shift work and work out regimen while being treated?  Or should I go into this knowing that I must significantly reduce my expectations regarding exercise and work hours.  

      I apologize if this subject has been addressed previously.

      Thank you, 

      James

       

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        geriakt
        Participant

          I am 51 3B. I had NIVO every other week for 50 weeks. I was tired all the time and gained some wt. It was very hard to stay active. If you can force yourself to stay active you will do better but it was not possible for me. Now after 25 treatment I have improved but feel older now. 

          Tom 

          betsyl
          Participant

            My 59-year-old husband is stage IV with a very light tumor load. He is on Keytruda as a first-line treatment and has had three infusions so far. It's still early, but so far he's been able to keep up his workaholic ways. He is a software engineer, so his job is mostly sedentary. He does practice on the drums most every day, and he walks around 45 minutes a day. After each infusion, he has felt some fatigue and joint pain but nothing very debilitating. He mostly powers through it and takes naps on his days off.

            Hope this helps. Wishing you the best!

            jennunicorn
            Participant

              I think you could very easily be one of those patients that doesn't have to change much about their regular activity. Already being as active as you are, your body is well equipped to deal with any fatigue that comes along which is usually the main thing that slows us down. 

              Bubbles
              Participant

                You are right, James, in that folks respond differently to immunotherapy.  But, I took nivolumab (Opdivo) the "other" anti-PD-1 product for 2 1/2 years. During that entire time I worked 12 hour shifts in a busy pediatric office three days a week, kept up my running/exercise efforts and had to travel to Tampa, FL from Chattanooga TN for my treatments.  It was not easy.  I had days that I felt like something the cat drug in.  I experienced some wheezing, joint pain and mouth ulcers.  Others have certainly dealt with worse.  I missed only 3 days of work during that time.  I credit luck, my stubborness, and the fact that somedays I forced myself to get up and MOVE with my ability to continue my lifestyle.  While this is not possible for everyone, I wanted you to know that it can happen!!!  Additionally, while I started treatment as a Stage IV melanoma patient post brain and lung mets, I remain NED having had no additional treatment since June of 2013.  Hang in there.  I wish you well.  Celeste 

                  quickcuda6
                  Participant

                    Thank you, Celeste and the rest of you for your insights.  It sounds like it may just be a matter of convincing ourselves from the outset that we will not allow the cancer or the treatment to prevent us from living our normal daily lives.  I consider myself fortunate for getting into the Keytruda trial arm instead of the Yervoy/Interferon arm.  Heard some nasty things about those two.  Take care.  

                  BitemeMel
                  Participant

                    My husband is 54, stage IV and NED on Keytruda for 22 months now. He's an active guy, works long hours some days and walks regularly. He's mostly been able to keep up his regular routine. He does have off days with fatigue and overall aches. For a long time he seemed to have an ongoing cough/mild cold but that resolved. I agree with another poster that if you are already active there's a good chance you can keep that up, just understand there may be some more down days than you're used to. I wish you all the best. 

                    tschmith
                    Participant

                      My experience with Keytruda was that the side effects were felt most at first…vitiligo, rashes, and fatigue.  Slowed me down some but I was more energetic after the first 3 months or so.  All in all, I felt good while on Keytruda and I hope you do too!

                      Best wishes…Terrie

                  Viewing 5 reply threads
                  • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                  About the MRF Patient Forum

                  The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                  The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                  Popular Topics