SaraSmile

Hi Scooby… In Jan 2017 I started Keytruda, but in the end of April, my ALT/AST skyrocketed to 300/150.  I had to be removed from treatment per protocol, and was also put on prednisone for more than 2 months to help the liver calm down. Unfortunately, the elevated enzymes lasted clear through January 2018, when they finally returned to normal levels. 

These drugs, while 'life saving' are pretty toxic stuff. Care for yourself well with with liver-aiding diet, NO alcohol consumption, and other supplements (as approved). I use "Dr. Axe" as a resource for a lot of holistic practices and advice on eating this, not that. Fulvic/Humic minerals and juicing helped me tremendously when trying to manage and come out of the brain/memory fog enduced by the Keytruda too. I feel for you, it took me more than 8 months after stopping treatment to feel like myself again, cognitively. 

Here as a resouce, friend, and strong supporter. Take care of yourself and be well! 

Sara

Hi Michael, 

Sounds like you've been on a tough journey these last few years. The best I have to offer is positivity. You'll have plenty of time to worry (if needed) once you've been given more definitive information… 

Also to keep in mind that FDG is not a cancer-specific agent, and false positive findings in benign diseases have been reported in active inflammation or infection, causing false-positive results. 

Be kind to yourself, starting with your mind. Hang in there my friend and be well. 

Sara

I would get tired on treatment days, wiped out really, and other was intense full-body hives. The hives started after infusion #5, and lasted several months after treatment ended… kept under control with Lortadine. Also had a shellfish reaction to eating some ceviche (hives, lip swelled 4x's normal!). It wasn't directly linked by the doctors, but my "gut" tells me it was related to liver function too, as shrimp are notorious for being high in toxins and liver processes those. 

I was also 31 at the time of treatment, and otherwise very healthy and fit. No other symptoms to report! 

Hi Karen, my advice would be not to worry until given an absolute reason to! However, you also need to be your own advocate, and know your body best. You sound high risk for Melanoma and other skin cancers, and if I were you – I wouldn't stop until you're seen ASAP. Don't let the scheduler push you out to a distant date. If possible, request a call from your doctor or to speak with the nurse and explain. Skin cancer is sooooo much more treatable/curable when identified on the skin as opposed to once it spreads. Hugs from someone who accepted a "4 month appointment wait time" on what turned out to be melanoma, don't put this off. Be well, and sending positivity for a clean report.