Thanks for your reply. I am sorry the chemotherapy has failed - I really hope immunotherapy works for you.
My father has been diagnosed with a second cancer (spindle cell carcinoma) in the head and neck area and I just wanted to know if anyone has had immunotherapy to help with a cure. If you don’t mind me asking, what type of cancer do you have and where is it? Have your doctors explained how immunotherapy would work and what possible side effects could occur? The hospital has recommended surgery for my dad but I am looking into everything right now.
Thanks for replying and I’m sorry to hear about your father.
My cancer started in my left tonsil and spread to my lymph node’s. I had radiotherapy and chemotherapy over 6 weeks in Feb,Mar and April 2017.
I had a MRI and a CT scan carried out in July which came back clear and a further one in October which also showed no sign of the cancer.
Almost 6 weeks after my last appointment I noticed a lump on the side of my neck in the same place as before and made an appointment for to be investigated. After a biopsy and several scans It was confirmed that the cancer was back in my tonsil area, lymph nodes and has now spread into my lungs.
They recommended chemotherapy, two different types at the same time which I was given over the last six weeks and was scanned again and to be told it had not worked and it had in fact grown.
After the Consultants met to discuss my case last Friday, Their recommendation was immuno therapy.
The type of drug is called nivolumab.
It’s a fairly new drug that has only been signed off for approximately one year.
Having reviewed the limited data it can come with a huge amount of side-effects in addition to the usual ones ( nausea vomiting etc) there is a huge risk that I could also become ill from another auto immune breakdown in my body but this is my last option!!
Treatment is due to commence around the 6th of March.
I have been referred for an immumotherapy trial after Chemo didn't work and also gave my SCCs a free feast. I am not sure if I will be on the same drug or another.
What I will say is that while there are lots of side effects, you will not get all of them. In fact, you may not experience a fraction of them. Many can also be controlled through pain control, nausea control and other methods. Just take it easy, don't worry too much, and let the Oncologist know the moment you experience anything unusual.
To encourage, take the options they give - it may aim to improve quality of life, or even kill the cancer once and for all (ideal)
hello andyjazz hope you dont mind me messaging your story is nearly the same as my husbands he has just started on the immunotherapy after cisplatin and f5 cycles failed :( how are you getting on
Sorry for the delay in replying my account was locked. Yes,it sounds like your husband has gone through a similar ‘journey.’ I also had cisplatin and F5 cycles which didn’t work. I have just completed 52 cycles of immunotherapy. It’s been a life saver literally. To be told I would be dead in 9 months back in March 2018 and I’m still here!!! It’s marvellous and I’m so fortunate to have been given it. what happens now is that I hope it’s taught my body to watch out for the cells and fight them off. The plan is for them to scan me every three months and hopefully it’s keeping it at bay and that’s the best possible outcome for me, until there is a cure. I hope he has similar success!
wow that is absolutely amazing so has it gone or just keeping it from growing or spreading i so hope he has the same success as yourself are you on nivolumab? and did you have any side effects thankyou for your reply xx
