Hi, my username is Wurlitzer( my love of jukeboxes and music 
).
I am onto my 4th melanoma. The 3rd involved an amputation of most of my left big toe at Stage IIB. About 6-7 years later in 2021 I developed what I thought was a hernia but it proved to be Stage IIIB BRAF wild-type malignant melanoma. Leading to lymph node groin dissection January 2022 then Pembrolizumab immunotherapy from April 2022. 8 x 6 weekly infusions were planned but after 6 I developed , in January 2023, a side effect: pneumonitis.
I was in a Respiratory Ward for 2 weeks then on steroids. I have since then had 3 recurrences of the pneumonitis, most recently in August 2023 hence no further immunotherapy. The steroids have 
ven me brittle veins so for my CT scans I now need a prior ultrasound to detect a good vein. I am 76, my wife is a great support, 2 grown up kids and 4 grandkids. I guess the Melanoma Group may be my best bet but not yet sure. Any advice or signposting appreciated
Hi Wurlitzer and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your journey.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot so yes, join and posting in our dedicated Melanoma support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Melanoma then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community but in the meantime all the very best.
