Chemo meds

Mukti

Hi, I'm new here. I just started chemo for metastasized (to peritoneal lymph nodes) cervical cancer. I had my first series of chemo radiation and brachytherapy treatments Oct-Nov 2024. The drugs I'm getting are Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, and Keytruda. Bevacizumab was originally in the plan, but I decided to decline it due to bleeding and easy bruising issues. I'm wondering if anyone out there has had experience with this combo or any of the ingredients I listed (especially Bevacizumab, as I have the option to add it later)? Any tips about side-effects, success rate, etc. would be welcome and appreciated.

mary254

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329436/chemo-meds

I was diagnosed with stage 3 in July 2023 and went through treatment with low dose cisplatin and radiation therapy followed by brachytherapy. I started treatment in February 2024 with paclitaxel, keytruda, bevacizumab, and carboplatin for further metastasis. I also received shots to boost my white blood cell production. My interim PET scan after 3 treatments showed no tumors and all of my scans since have been good. I continue to receive keytruda and bevacizumab infusions every 3 weeks as maintenance. During treatment I had pretty severe neuropathy in my feet (helped most by thc gummies), frequent nose bleeds, painful soft tissues in my mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, bone pain. In my experience those were from the chemo drugs themselves. I really don't have side effects from my maintenance treatments. Keytruda damaged my thyroid so I had side effects from that for a bit but it's managed with a morning pill. I have a small bit of continued numbness in one of my feet. All of my worst side effects are from radiation. My doctors tell me that part of my success is that I'm young and take care of myself so I'm not sure how much my experience translates but I'd be glad to answer any questions you have. It's nice to talk to someone who's gone through the same thing.

hernandezrm1976

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1723552#Comment_1723552

Hello Mary254

I am new, i feel to all these medications. I feel alone at times not many people i can run to for answers that are easy to understand. I feel you have so much information I may be able to use. I pray i can ask you a few personal questions about your journey with Keytruda?

And, how did you know you were eligible for the Keytruda medication treatment. Is this through infusions with your chemo? And, How many times have you had to have chemo/ reoccurrence?

I had asked my doctor about that option a while ago. Sometimes, I wonder if they select only a few to see if possible outcomes happen for their studies. How can we prove them otherwise?

If you have any suggestions, Please do tell?

What do I specifically ask for concerning my diagnosis? I obviously have questions that leads me to believe that they have my best interest at heart at times. I have to use wisdom in a lot of my discussions with the doctors. I do not want offend and get them to a point they no longer feel the urge to help me. Please help on what to say or how you have handled this extreme situation. I mean, this is our life. I want to make the best informed decision i can with all the possible, correct information at my disposal that i can. I do not want to be in the dark.

Is there a place for cancer researces like us seeking for answers that allows us to have a guide in our walk wquth this deadly disease. Do you not think it is something we NEED. I think we deserve to know, ALL THE AMMO WE HAVE UPFRONT AND ALLOW US TO MAKE OUR LIFE SAVING DECISIONS.

It truly seems like your doctors have looked out for you. I await your reply and know you are a blessing to all you come in contact from.

Thank you for your strength. You have already helped me even before we began this journey together.

RoseMary

mary254

Your doctors will need to order lab tests to check for biological markers in your tumor to see if you Keytruda is right for you. It is an immune checkpoint inhibitor so it'll only work for you if your cancer is in effect hiding from your immune system.

I went through concurrent chemo and radiation and then chemo and immunotherapy. My body was cancer free and I continued with maintenance immunotherapy. I received Avastin and Keytruda infusions until I has terrible radiation cystitis. The avastin was discontinued at that point but I continue to receive Keytruda infusions every 3 weeks.

I was lucky in that I had an amazing gynecological oncologist that was very thorough and caring and my radiation oncologist was as well. There is a monthly support group in my area and my oncology team put me in contact with any resources that I would've needed.

I also felt some kinship in watching youtube videos of people going through cancer journeys as I didn't know anyone personally thag had been through it, especially someone my age. I also had a very supportive family and coworkers thag made it easier to get through. However there are a ton of physical and emotional effects that come with it that only people who've been through it will understand.