Do I need 9 months of Keytruda after chemo for triple negative breast cancer?

Hi Nancy! Your team is recommending Keytruda to help reduce the risk of your cancer coming back, not to upset or pressure you. It’s completely your choice whether or not to continue with treatment. You’re ultimately in control of your body and your care but it is their job to offer you all of the options to help keep your cancer from returning. If you don’t trust your current team seek a 2nd opinion. Patients do so all the time and it is usually completely covered by insurance. 💛 Suzanne (Community Moderator)

Keytruda killed my cortisol production I went through 3 weeks of hell. But I’m back better than ever! On hydrocortisone now but feeling so good. If you do decide to do the Keytruda watch out for weakness it’s a sign your cortisol is going. Don’t wait till your doctor right away. Save your adrenal glands and cortisol production.

Thank you Barbara! Had no idea!

Congratulations on being cancer free!!

What a wonderful milestone that the cancer is gone! Many patients in this community have questions about continuing immunotherapy treatments after their primary treatment ends. The decision about extended Keytruda treatment typically depends on specific factors that oncologists consider based on current research and individual patient situations. It's completely understandable to feel frustrated about not having this information earlier in the treatment process - many patients share similar feelings about treatment planning communication. The upcoming meeting with the oncologist will be a great opportunity to discuss the reasoning behind this recommendation, ask about potential benefits and side effects, and share concerns about the treatment plan.

Yes, Keytruda can destroy your pituitary gland, which affects your adrenal gland's ability to produce cortisol. It happened to me. I'm on steroids now for secondary Adrenal Insufficiency. Keep an eye out for low blood pressure and weakness.

Thank you,

Congrats on getting through everything to this point! I would definitely get another opinion. My oncologist thinks that long on Keytruda is over-treating and comes with too many risks. I had post-surgery Keytruda, but only 6 infusions. Did you get a pCR with your chemo or was there residual cancer?