Karen, glad the Keytruda is working well overall. Immunotherapy side effects are generally different from chemo – they stem from the immune system being activated and potentially attacking healthy tissues (immune-related adverse events or irAEs). Common ones include fatigue, rash, itching, diarrhea/colitis, pneumonitis (lung inflammation), hepatitis (liver), endocrinopathies (thyroid, adrenal issues). Most are mild/moderate but some can be severe. Monitoring thyroid function, liver enzymes, etc., is standard. Did they check his thyroid levels? Fatigue can sometimes be linked to hypothyroidism.

While the prep is universally disliked, Lisa, remember why you’re doing it. Annual surveillance for Lynch carriers drastically reduces colorectal cancer mortality. Framing it as a proactive, life-saving measure sometimes helps mentally shift the perspective, even if the physical part remains unpleasant.

Coverage is getting better, Daniel, but can still be a fight depending on your insurance plan and stage/indication. My major cancer center advocated strongly for it. Definitely something to discuss upfront.

Absolutely, Joseph. Its role in monitoring response and guiding later-line therapies is another crucial application. Hope your current treatment path is managing things well.

It’s definitely becoming more common, Michael. The hope is it allows for earlier detection of recurrence or confirmation of cure, potentially sparing some from unnecessary chemo or catching things sooner if needed.

Good point, Christopher. The article touched on specificity challenges but highlighted ongoing efforts to improve algorithms to differentiate between true MRD and other biological noise (like CHIP). It’s definitely an evolving field. How often are your Signatera draws?

Thanks for sharing your direct experience, Christopher. That pro/con list perfectly captures the dilemma. Do you feel the earlier detection potential definitively outweighs the added anxiety for you personally? And has your team discussed a clear action plan if it does turn positive?

Your primary role right now is healing. Please don’t add the heavy weight of guilt to that already difficult task.