How do I cope emotionally with stage 4 lung cancer?

Any other side effects from Ketruda?

Kevin, same here with me ,stage 4 also spread to my brain but only 6 mm tumor, I did radiation on that and hopefully the tumor is gone.I took two immunotherapies with Keytruda and two chemotherapy treatments and I had so much side effects that I was ready to shoot myself!!! I decided to get proton radiation 5 days a week, 6 weeks in the row and I’m avoiding the Keytruda and chemotherapy. We will see how that’s going to work for me but I’m tired of being tired!!! I don’t know how you could survive the 2 years on Keytruda!!! You must be so strong physically and mentally!!! You’re my hero!!! I hope you will stay healthy and will enjoy your life to the fullest!!!

The chemo did a number on me I took two treatments of that got really sick throwing up and my potassium level dropped and I went into cardiac arrest Heart stopped beating for 6 minutes… I’m where I’m because of God no other reason I hope it works for you my friend stay strong and keep your faith!!

Frank I did pretty good on keytruda the biggest side effect I had was my joints would hurt get sore other than that I did pretty good

Hey Kevin, I'm Christie. Was diagnosed with advanced stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer in May of this year. Only had 4 doses of chemo and they just did a cat scan i guess to see where I'm at? If I'm not, will they continue chemo? 4 doses doesn't seem like enough.

I'm also on Keytruda.

Christie, any side effects?

Hi I was diagnosed with Stage 4 NSCLC January 2024 tumor was on L3 Vertebrae of 2 lesions on upper right lung and small lesion in my brain 9 hour surgery to remove tumor 11 rounds of radiation to remove brain tumor and clean up the spinal surgery 4 rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy combo now just Keytruda had to learn to walk again broke my ankle and cut my head open in the process haha been keytruda only since July 2024 had a tumor in soft tissue of back removed in June still on Keytruda it’s been a quite a journey but I’m able to live a fairly normal life drive go shopping errands housework on my own I stay positive with all the new and amazing treatments available now I keep a hopeful outlook I even tattooed HOPE on my knuckles

Hi. I was diagnosed in Nov 2024. Stage 4 NSCLC. The Lymph nodes in left lung cannot be surgically removed. It spread to my bone and so The lesions on my T4 were radiated. I received chemotherapy plus KEYTRUDA. Finished with chemo and tolerating KEYTRUDA so far. Oncologist says I should stay on it for at least another year. My prognosis hasn’t changed (2 years). Latest PET says the lesions are gone and nodules stable. Staying optimistic.

Guille I took keytruda pretty good mine is non surgical too I pray healing and comfort for you

Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that went to brain. Surgery on brain removed tumor along with 32 rounds of radiation.also had 4 rounds of chemo. Am now into 1 and half years of keytruda. Still working part time and so far no side effects! There is hope

Hi Deborah same with me didn’t have that much radiation think it was 3 or 4 rounds pray that it keeps going well for you

Hi stage 4 lung cancer spread to spine/brain did 4 rounds of radiation and then started chemotherapy with Keytruda by the 3rd round was told allergic to carboplatin then on 4th round went into anaphylactic shock woke up in the ER not good. Now have stage 4 liver toxicity from the Keytruda also now have high blood pressure and have had 3-4 mini strokes ? All from one medication ? And new side effects could come up for years ? Crazy ….. one time that I don’t research what the dr offered and I paid for it . Taking a lot of medication to hopefully get my liver enzymes back to normal and then go from there. Was initially diagnosed 11 years ago with Pancoast Tumors nsclc and given 6-9 months to live, did a lot of radiation and chemo together . Until this year all was good when they found the new spot on my spine Now just doing meds to fix liver then I guess we will talk about what next. Remember that a lot to do with cancer is a mental game and you just can’t go down that rabbit hole. Much love and happiness to you all

Dealing with the emotional challenges that come with cancer treatment is incredibly common, and reaching out for support shows real strength. Many people in this community have found that connecting with others who understand this journey, whether through support groups, counseling, or trusted friends and family, can help process these overwhelming feelings. Consider speaking with your healthcare team about resources for emotional support, as they often have helpful connections to counselors who specialize in cancer care.

Sandy here! 😊 Was diagnosed with Stage 3A nsclc Aug 2023. Lobectomy was aborted in Jan 2024 due to finding cancer in lymph nodes. Was treated with 33 doses of radiation on upper right lung, 8 on lower left lung. Only had 1 cycle of chemo out of 4. Too many problems with chemo. Tumors were shrinking so much that my radiologist said he couldn't even see them on the CT scan, but.....new spots appeared. Now stage 4. Thankfully, I still had treatment options, one being chemo, which I refused due to complications, second is Immunotherapy (Keytruda). I was so nervous about having side effects with Keytruda, but have had no issues, other than being a little tired. I am scheduled to have a CT scan soon and another in 2 months to see where things stand. Im so grateful to have the option of Immunotherapy. I'm here to say that if its an option for anyone reading this, to at least try it. On a side note, I do believe that having a positive attitude is so very helpful. If someone keeps saying to themselves "Im sick, Im sick", then you may just get worse. Keep the faith, my friends! God Bless!

Sitting in the infusion room getting my Keytruda. Although I had stated no side effects earlier, it seems my thyroid is not working properly and I’m undergoing tests for hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. My oncologist reviewed bloodwork and said I can continue with the Keytruda. I’ll wait to see what the endocrinologist says in a week from today. She thinks it could be the Keytruda. On a holding pattern for now. Having a good support group to bounce stuff off of is good for me. I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I’m not feeling alone…

Hi Kevin, stage 4 lung cancer that went to brain. I had brain surgery 1 and 1/2 yrs ago and just had another one to remove scar tissue. I am doing well and have 1/2 yr leftt on keytruda with no side effects. Praying for you,keep the faith