Lou Ann, how are you?

i am feeling better than I have for a long time.  The 5 week vacation from chemo has been good for me. I actually started feeling better after I was in the hospital with the partial bowel blockage.  Go figure!.  Both the cardiologist and my oncologist are sure that I did have a heart attack and that it was caused by the Avastin.  They think it caused a blood clot that got to my heart and caused the damage, and then dissolve with the Plavax that they put me on.

I started new treatment on Monday.  It is an immunotherapy drug, but is given like chemo, no pre drugs though so it was a short infusion.  So far I am not having side effects.  I am afraid to even hope that there won't be any.  We won't know for quite awhile if it is working.

Eldri, I love your hair and am so glad that your 6 month checkup went well.

hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

Great to hear you are feeling better Lou Ann. I hope it continues:)

Immunotherapy is kind of new for cancer treatment isn't it? I'd be curious to know more about it if that's ok with you. Like what is it and does insurance cover it and how you're feeling from it.  Hope it does the trick for you without causing new problems!  You've had more than your share as it is. 

No problem sharing what I know.  I am on a drug called Keytruda by Merck.  I believe that with the immunotherapy drugs target cancer cells and mark them. Your immune system is also revved up and it attacks the cancer cells.  It is not approved for uterine cancer yet, but for melonoma, lung cancer and maybe kidney cancer.  I don't think that insureance will pay for it because it is not approved.  I am getting it from Merck under compassionate resaons (low enough income) my doctor pettioned  them and I was excepted.  We will have to pay for the infusion time and any other cost associated with the infusion.  The cancer center does not believe that Medicare will cover any of that.  It is not a lot though.  We won't know for quite awhile if it is working.  CA 125 blood tests are not known to be accurate.  So far I am feeling pretty good no much in the side effect line going on yet.  There was a 4 page article in the July/August issue of Women's Day magazine that list alot of info about it.

Lou Ann

So good to hear that you are feeling better AND that you aren't experiencing any side effects from the Keytruda.  Hoping for continued good news for you!

Chris

Lou Ann M said:

No problem sharing what I

No problem sharing what I know.  I am on a drug called Keytruda by Merck.  I believe that with the immunotherapy drugs target cancer cells and mark them. Your immune system is also revved up and it attacks the cancer cells.  It is not approved for uterine cancer yet, but for melonoma, lung cancer and maybe kidney cancer.  I don't think that insureance will pay for it because it is not approved.  I am getting it from Merck under compassionate resaons (low enough income) my doctor pettioned  them and I was excepted.  We will have to pay for the infusion time and any other cost associated with the infusion.  The cancer center does not believe that Medicare will cover any of that.  It is not a lot though.  We won't know for quite awhile if it is working.  CA 125 blood tests are not known to be accurate.  So far I am feeling pretty good no much in the side effect line going on yet.  There was a 4 page article in the July/August issue of Women's Day magazine that list alot of info about it.

Lou Ann

Lou Ann, glad to hear that you're feeling well and that they have you on Keytruda. I've seen others post about their positive experiences with Opdivo so it'll be great to hear if Keytruda works as well. Please keep us posted. Good luck to you! Kim

Charissa said:

Wow, hoping for promising

Wow, hoping for promising results with the Keytruda. Wouldn't that be wonderful if it were a successful alternative to the Avistin. Glad you were able to have a break from the chemo.

I truly do not know how you women do it. I am so proud of all you. You each find time to encourage and share with others; and, maintain a positive attitude with humor. Feeling so blessed to have found all of you!

BIG hugs, lots of love, and wishes for this immunotherapy drug to be a good fit.

I couldn't agree more with you Charissa on the amazing women here.  Of those here and the dear ones we have lost - they impress me with the courage and strength.