immunotherapy treatment

Sorry to hear your news. I just wanted to write to say I had the four treatments with both drugs and found the side effects not too bad. I know it varies from person to person and some people need to have a break and take steroids for a period of time. With me I got slight joint ache a itchy rash but not too bad and it helped to put on antihistamine cream I also developed vitiligo on my arms and part of chest. I still have this but it’s nothing in the scheme of things My consultant said it was a good sign the treatment was working.

I then went onto Nivolumab every 4 weeks. I am now cancer free. The melanoma had spread after 7 years to my lung,near my spine and a very large tumour measuring 18 cm near my kidney. So as you can see this treatment can work miracles I have CT  scans every 4 months and a skin check twice a year. At first it is a daunting prospect but once treatment starts you get into a pattern. I forgot I suffered from fatigue a day after the treatment and also the first evening.

My husband was a great support and we decided to make the most of each day.I also tried to eat lots of fruit and veg and go out walking  when weather permitted.  I do wish you well and if you have any other questions please ask. I found this site invaluable I rang the specialist nurses with any question or worry and still find them very practical and knowledgeable ,more so than my G P 

Hi,

Like Lgrgdg90 I've had a good experience of immunotherapy.  I'm about 75% through a two-year course (initially Ipi/Nivo and now just Nivo at 4 week intervals).

I also felt a little fatigued for the first few sessions, but that's now passed.  My skin is drier than it was pre-treatment, and my immune system has gone a bit gung-ho and not only attacked the cancer cells, but also my adrenal glands, which means I'm on low-dose hydrocortisone tablets to replace the cortisol my body no longer produces.  This is a serious condition which needs to be treated with respect, however it's two very small tablets a day....

All in all, a very small price to pay for the fact that the cancer in my liver and lungs is now no longer "radiologically evident" - i.e. it can't be seen on recent CT scans.

I know not everybody has been as "lucky" as me in terms of the side-effects, however I think it's worthwhile for good experiences to be recorded, and not just the bad experiences.

Good luck with your treatment