Treatment

Hi Josie568ab70d and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

As there are all sorts of treatment for melanoma, so that people can share relevant experiences with you, can you tell us about your melanoma diagnosis please. For example, what has it been staged at, what treatment if any have you already had, has it spread to other areas, etc.

Anne

It’s stage 4, as I have a mass in my chest cavity which biopsy didn’t conclusively identify. I have an appointment today to discuss a resection but not sure what chemo  will be needed?

I hope your appointment goes well.

I don't think chemotherapy is usually used with melanoma but I could be wrong.

Do come back later and let us know how you got on.

Hi Josie

I'm not totally sure with Stage 4 but when I was diagnosed Stage 3C I went through a year of immunotherapy,  having fortnightly IV infusions. Well I say a year, I managed 19 of the 26.

I am currently awaiting surgery and thinking I will probably need treatment again as its in my groin lymph nodes. 

I hope you get the answers you need at your appt xx

Hi, I’ve been told that after my surgery I will have immunotherapy. How did that effect you, as you didn’t do all of the sessions?

Hi, I had Nivolumab, and it was fortnightly IVs, the only reason I couldn't finish the whole 26 sessions was because I ended up covered head to toe in psoriasis. My oncologist said I was suffering too much. 

Its a hard balance because immunotherapy boosts the immune system but to control psoriasis the immune system needs suppressed so its a double edged sword.

I did suffer with fatigue alot but I was on maternity leave with my son at the time, so the oncologist said when I was due back at work to stay on the sick.

There are lots of different options with immunotherapy now I think. If you want someone to chat to I am here as I think I will also be having immunotherapy too xx