posted by Ralphy
17 January 2025
Pembrolizumab
Last reply:
22 January 2025 16:43
Hi I would like to discuss the effects of pembrolizumab.I recently started a course to treat neck and lung cancer.Unfortunately three days after starting my first treatment I picked up the flu which hospitalised me for 5 days.My lungs were badly affected and still are but not as bad.Im wondering is the effects I’m still feeling a result of the flu or is it the effects of the treatment?I had no issues with my lungs previous to starting my treatment.
Dear Ralphy
Thank you for posting your query on our online community. I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and that you then got the flu which for many can be so debilitating especially when having any cancer treatment.
As you probably know Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy which would have the side effect of lowering your white cell count and making it all that harder to recover from the flu. It can also have the side effect of dropping your red blood cell count which in turn can make you a little breathless or develop a cough. I am presuming that you have been discussing this concern with your oncology team as they have the details of your diagnosis and can advise you and also they will know to check your blood count if necessary.
Nonetheless it is good to read that you are noticing that your lungs are not as bad now as they were.
Ralphy we here on the support line would like to speak to you on the phone. It would be good to hear how you are now and we can discuss with you your treatment and what support you might find helpful.
We are all cancer nurses on this support line and our phone number is 1800 200 700. We are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm so I do hope we will hear from you
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse