How are others managing immunotherapy side effects like taste loss and fatigue?

Hey Scott, you’ve been though a lot!! I’m hoping someone with similar experiences connects soon but just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story and we’re glad you’re here. 💛 Suzanne (Community Moderator)

Hello. I'm knew to this all but was diagnosed w bladder cancer that metastisized to my lungs and have been given 11 months to live. Totally unexpected and still trying to wrap my head around it all. Frankly don't know how one goes on knowing they have a date on their existence. Very scary and emotional. I'm 71 years old and the anxiety and I'm sure depression knowing this is overwhelming. I m presently receiving chemo and just the short time I've been receiving chemo I'm not sure I want to continue wbthe side-effects. I sometimes think just let the Lord do his thing and let nature take it course where Ai can at least have some quality of life. How does someone handle knowing that they have a somewhat date to live. How does one go on. I have a wife of 30 plus years that was just the other day diagnosed w Parkinsons. Anybody have any advice. Thanks in advance. God is good and praying for a pain free and comfortable transition into the afterlife. God Bless

One day at a time.. be present in each moment as best you can.. don’t let all the thoughts drown you.. smell the roses… nothing makes sense with cancer…🩷

For my taste issues I eat with plastic utensils and paper plates. It helps with a metallic taste. I take morphine for the neuropathy issues which helps most days is very hard to get my head off the pillow, but I have a little dog that I have to take for a walk so I do have to get up and exercise. I live on a sailboat and laying in bed. All day is not an option. You just have to have the willpower to overcome the inability you think you have wishing you luck on your journey 

Totally understand the lack of taste due to the chemo and the immunotherapy! Tastebuds totally wacko! What might taste good to me today, might be totally disgusting to me tomorrow! Im still experiencing this after completion of my immunotherapy! Taking magnesium glycinate for leg and foot cramping and also combats the diarrhea I was experiencing! Just got a cancer free diagnosis, but the side effects of the medications still stays with me! All in all, very thankful to all involved in my healing, but the side effects gang around for awhile!

Thank you for sharing your journey and reaching out about these challenging side effects. Managing taste changes during immunotherapy can be particularly frustrating, and many community members have found helpful strategies like experimenting with different textures, temperatures, and seasonings to make food more appealing, staying well-hydrated, and focusing on nutrition even when nothing tastes quite right. The fatigue and other symptoms you're experiencing are also common concerns that others in this community understand deeply, so hopefully some members will share what has worked for them in managing these effects day-to-day.

Hang in there! You’re going through a lot and so is your wife. Enjoy each day the best you can. A lot of people live beyond the date doctors think you’ll live to. Ask God for the strength. Do research, lean on as much support as you can. Ask for help when needed. Maybe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Day by Day! ❤️🙏❤️