Side effects from Opdualag (Nivolumab/Relatlimab)

I've noticed a few concerns expressed recently about side effects from Nivolumab/Relatlimab so I thought I'd share my experience so far. I was diagnosed with Stage 3c melanoma on my scalp in Sep 2023. After the wide local excision and skin graft, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to two lymph nodes on my neck. I was advised that it was inoperable and offered a two-year course of immunotherapy of various drugs. I opted for the Opdualag (Nivolumab/Relatlimab) as this was a recently approved treatment which had good results from early reports. No significant side effects from the first three treatments then on the day after the fourth treatment started feeling very unwell with headaches, chest pain and nauseous vomiting. After a three day spell in hospital I was diagnosed with Adrenal Insufficiency and put on a lifelong course of cortisol replacement medication (Hydrocortisone) which seems to have solved that particular problem. I was able to resume the treatment and have now had my ninth cycle out of 26. Other than feeling a bit lethargic for a day or so after the treatment, I've had no other significant side effects and the subsequent CT scans have shown that the cancerous lymph nodes only neck have either reduced in size or are stable. The Oncologist assures me that the treatment is having the desired effect and this gives me hope for the future. All the specialist cancer nurses and doctors I have had contact with have been fantastic and very quick to respond to requests for advice. I feel blessed and very fortunate and know that I am in safe hands. Looking forward to the next 17 treatments with the same optimism as the first. As the Oncologist said to me when giving me the news of my diagnosis, "is your glass half full or half empty?" I quickly replied that I had always been a "half full" personality and I'm certain that this attitude has helped me enormously on my journey so far. My message, therefore, to all those on the same path is to "stay positive."