3rd melanoma- where do I go from here

Hi APK58 

It must be very difficult coming to terms with the fact that you have been diagnosed with melanoma three times.

I see that you're not keen on having immunotherapy and wondered if you'd spoken to your oncologist about any alternative treatment you could have. They would also be best placed to give you advice on your likely survival, if you opt for no treatment, as they know your full medical history.

If you don't get replies from others here who have opted not to have immunotherapy, you could post your question in the ask a nurse section of the online community and one of the nurses will be able to give you general survival statistics.

Let us know what you decide to do.

Anne

Hi APK58 

I don’t have melanoma, but I was treated with pembrolizumab, which as far as I know is the immunotherapy drug most often used with melanoma. My treatment was after my cancer had metastasised, and I had no other treatment options at that point. The treatment did cause a number of issues, which were (mostly) resolved, and, significantly, it did put my cancer in remission. Whilst I am classed as incurable I have had no evidence of disease since my last treatment in early 24. I am not sure how I would have felt about taking the drug if it had been offered for a recurrence without evidence of spread, given the significant risks it carries.

It might be worth asking if immunotherapy would still be offered and be as effective if you found a spread at a later date? 

Thanks for the reply and info- I will be asking that question and it’s good to know you had only some side effects. I hope you continue to keep well. 

Thanks I appreciate the response- it’s just a very difficult time and decisions to be made.