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. 

Hello APK58,

I have been diagnosed with my third melanoma. With two previous I had surgery and sentinel lymph nodes removed. 

This one was found in one lymp nodes: i had a limph nodes dissection and I have been offered surveillance or immunotherapy.  

Like you i am very scared about the long term side effects and I cannot tale.a decision .  Today I saw the oncologist and I still couldn't tell her what I wanted to do . She is given me.another week to decide as apparently the treatment has to start within 3 months from my surgery .

I really don't know what to do !!! 

Hi- I understand your dilemma and only you can decide. I was advised that as it had not spread to any of my major organs ten immunotherapy would only give me a 15% chance if the cancer not coming bk. on the flip side the side effects can cause horrendous implications for my health. I am able to get further surgery and that’s what I’ve chosen and constant monitoring plus 6 monthly scans. Don’t be pushed into making a decision- take your time and ask more questions. Good luck 

Thank you for your message. I am happy that you were able to decide what it is best for you. I agree that side effects can change your health for good and life too. I made wrong decisions in the past and I am afraid that if the cancer does come back it will be incurabile this time amd i would blame myself ( I lost my confidence during these years of getting all these melanoma and surgeries) I hope I,will be strong and decide that my body can fight alone the possible cancer stem cells and get my life  back . Good luck and take good care of yourself.