Stage 4 Melanoma - Secondary Liver Cancer

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Hi All,

I wondered if anyone had experienced Stage 4 Melanoma - Secondary Liver Cancer? 

I have recently been told that after an MRI scan that I have a 2cm tumour in my liver that is secondary to the Melanoma I had removed in February. I was having Immunotherapy (Nivolumab) since Oct 2022 post a sentinel node removal but in February that had spread to my other lymph nodes and I had to have them also removed.

As mentioned I have since been informed of the Stage 4 Melanoma - Secondary Liver Cancer and had one course of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab combined. I had my first treatment of this but soon had severe Colitis as a side effect and was hospitalised last week for 5 days whilst that was brought under control. I now have 4 weeks of Colitis treatment before I can continue with the cancer treatment. I can no longer continue with Nivolumab and Ipilimumab combined so will need to find an alternative treatment for my liver, any ideas? I was told surgery was not an option as the recovery time could potentially impact any other secondary instances that could potentially pop up during that time?

As a young father I am naturally worried about delays and the potential lack of options I may have? 

Has anyone been through similar?

Staying positive ad strong but each hurdle is getting higher.

Regards,

Andrew

  

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    Hi Andrew and a very warm welcome to the melanoma group, although I wish you didn't have to join us.

    I'm sorry to read that you've recently discovered that your melanoma has spread to your liver and I know what a worrying time this will be for you.

    I don't have the experience you're after but there are lots of people in this group who do have melanoma which has spread to their liver. I've done a search of the group and the most recent posters who mention spread to liver are  and  so I've 'tagged' them into my reply to you and hope they'll pop on and share their experiences with you.

    It would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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  • Hi Andrew.

    As Latchbrook mentioned, I have also had secondary cancer in my liver (and lungs), however in my case my body was able to tolerate the combined Ipi/Nivolumab therapy, and I’m now nearing the end of my two years of treatment.

    I’m afraid that I don’t have any knowledge of alternative treatments if someone isn’t able to tolerate the drugs, however my suggested first point of contact would be your appointed skin cancer nurse who I’m sure will be able to point you in the right direction.

    All the best and please keep this forum up to date with your progress. Immunotherapy is a wonderful treatment which gives us all real hope for the future.

    Good luck to you and best wishes to your family.

  • Hello

    i have stage four cancer, and had in my liver and both lungs, I had the same treatment as Emma, however I got many side affects and they had had to stop treatment for 6 months. 
    they then put me back on it keeps making me unwell every few months, I am a year into my treatment and is working well. 
    can they not continue with the one drug like they did with me. 
    if you are unable to receive this treatment I know there are trails you can try as this is what was discussed with me. 
    hope this helps please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help with anything else.