Experiences with Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets parts of the immune system to fight cancer. Immunotherapy has two main functions; it can strengthen your immune system to work harder or smarter to attack cancer cells, and it can give man-made immune system components such as proteins. Immunotherapy can be an independent treatment plan, but it often works well with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are three main types of immunotherapy including monoclonal antibodies, cancer vaccines, and non-specific immunotherapies. Immunotherapy is currently being used to treat cancers such as cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, lung, and prostate, as well as leukemia, multiple myeloma, and melanoma.
Many cancer patients wonder if they can boost their immune system through natural methods, however it is difficult to do this without immunotherapy drugs. As we know, people with healthy immune systems still develop cancer. Immunotherapy is a specific and deliberate treatment plan to discuss with your doctor. There is merit in trying to boost your immune system simply by keeping a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and by trying to get the nutrients that you need. A strong immune system is helpful in fighting infections that can come from cancer treatments. Immunotherapy is a relatively new kind of cancer treatment; if you have had experience with immunotherapy, then post or comment below to share your firsthand insights with others who may be considering immunotherapy.
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- casssurvivor
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Mel...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
I have only had 1 treatment so far with minimal side effects. I will update post after each treatment which will be monthly.
Easy to Do: Agree Minimal Side Effects: Agree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Agree -
- Golfingnut
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Just finished 4th round of Yervoy/Opdivo combo infusion. Minimal side effects after round 1. Tired in afternoons, slight rash, itching
Easy to Do: Agree Minimal Side Effects: Agree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Agree -
- redfoot1
- Experience with Non-Small Cell, Lung ...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
my wife is constantly nauseous and spends a lot of time feeling weak
Easy to Do: Disagree Minimal Side Effects: Strongly Disagree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Strongly Disagree -
- Cntrygurl
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Accepted fairly well, minimal side effects, 3 yrs worth...
Easy to Do: Agree Minimal Side Effects: Neutral/NA Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Neutral/NA -
- andreadiana
- Experience with Adenoacanthoma, En...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Very few side effects. When you get sick, this therapy intensifies symptoms. So much better than chemotherapy.
Easy to Do: Agree Minimal Side Effects: Neutral/NA Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Agree -
- Katiesue
- Experience with Non-Small Cell, Lung ...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
immunotherapy
Easy to Do: Strongly Agree Minimal Side Effects: Strongly Agree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Strongly Agree -
- debraml51
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
I have only had one treatment so far and handled it well. Hopefully it will continue rhat way.
Easy to Do: Not Specified Minimal Side Effects: Not Specified Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Not Specified -
- mockingbird
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Mela...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
My dad started biweekly treatments but did so well with no side effects he has started monthly treatments with double dose. Will wa...
Easy to Do: Strongly Agree Minimal Side Effects: Strongly Agree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Agree -
- DianeShepard
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Mel...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Side effects have knocked his socks off! Fatigue, nausea, GI issues, etc.
Easy to Do: Neutral/NA Minimal Side Effects: Strongly Disagree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Strongly Disagree -
- papabill
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Melanoma
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Just received initial perfusion - Keytruda - January 23, 2018 after initial diagnosis of melanoma on scalp with follow-up surgery in...
Easy to Do: Agree Minimal Side Effects: Agree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Agree -
- Susiewb50
- Experience with Non-Small Cell, Lung...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
My most notable side effect is with my skin. I have developed patches of rash that are bright red and itch terribly. Skin is dry and...
Easy to Do: Strongly Agree Minimal Side Effects: Agree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Neutral/NA -
- caensminger
- Experience with Skin Cancer - Mela...
Immunotherapy
Drug or Chemo Therapy
Started Pembroluzimab/Keytruda along with Mekinist chemo at the same time. It's hard to determine which caused what side effect. M...
Easy to Do: Agree Minimal Side Effects: Disagree Minimal Impact to Daily Life: Disagree