Hello, I developed a nasty mole on my back while in Thailand, on my return I had it removed privately showing it to be cancerous and spread to Advanced Melanoma, I'm undergoing immunotherapy at the moment with Pembrollizumab, I am responding well, but my arms, neck, shoulders and legs are continuously stiff, to the extent it is now uncomfortable, is this a normal side effect or something more serious (the cancer had spread to my bones).
Hi Spain,
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome back to the online community. I’m Lorna one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the support line.
I can see from your post that you have joined a few of our forums, I hope you are finding them helpful and getting a lot of support and advice from them.
I’m sorry to hear that you have been experiencing stiffness in your joints following immunotherapy for advanced melanoma. Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy drug called a monoclonal antibody or checkpoint inhibitor. It works by helping the immune system find and attack the cancer cells.
Like most cancer treatments it can cause side effects. Pembrolizumab can cause your joints to become stiff and sore or swollen (arthritis). If you already have problems with joint pain, this may become worse. We would always recommend that if you had any new or worsening symptoms, to get in touch with your team on the telephone number they have provided. They will be able to assess you and prescribe any steroids or painkillers you may benefit from having.
Sometimes it can help talking to others who have the shared experience of having Pembrolizumab on our online community. Melanoma UK offer help and support too.
I hope the information is helpful, please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can support you further,
Best wishes
Lorna
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
Ref/ LB/JH
