Melanoma 3C recurrence - immunotherapy?

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Hello,

I first had a mole on my shin back in 2023 stage 2a which was removed with surgery. It then came back end of 2024 as 3C where I had lymph node dissection, and then went on targeted treatment (dabrafenib and Trametinib) for a year which finished end of December 2025. This treatment made me quite ill so they reduced the dosis twice.
The cancer has now come back and discovered in a small lump on my thigh. Waiting for the PET scan results to see if there is more than that.
The CNS told me there is a chance they just want to do more surgery, but not give me further treatment, for example immunotherapy. The thought of not getting further treatment after it’s my second recurrence honestly makes me feel super unsafe, and makes me feel like I can then just sit and wait for it to come back and be stage 4, before they will give me immunotherapy.

Have anyone else experienced this with a similar history as stage 3C?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Thelma 1 month ago

Yes, I had a stage 3 recurrence in my groin, started immunotherapy post op, but such bad side effects, only 2 doses, stopped in May. Seeing my specialist in October and am waiting to hear what he us going to do next.

Greensky1 1 month ago

Sorry to hear this, I am now stage 4, started on my shoulder in 2016, misdiagnosed then went under correct treatment in 2020, removed 4 times as its come back, despite 12 months on Pembrolizumab, thyroid & pancreas affected, had metastasised in the lung first lower left lobe now upper left lobe, waiting PET scan then start treatment with nivolumab & ipilimumab

MissEvie 28 days ago

Hi, I've just joined the community today ..... I had a 2B melanoma on my shin in 2023 similar to you which was removed with surgery and I had a lymph node dissection and now suffer with lymphedema and wear support garment. Been having regular checks but in May discovered la ump near my knee which was confirmed as melanoma and removed with surgery (3B) Still not clear if BRAF negative or positive but have been offered immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab). I was feeling unsure if I should go down this route or just monitor with scans and checks but reading your post has made me think again but the potential side effects scare me as I already suffer with swelling in my leg due to the original surgery.

I felt I should have had the targeted treatment as my melanoma is located in one limb but I'm learning there doesn't appear to be a set path and everyone is treated individually.

I hope you get the chance to have immunotherapy to make you feel safer.

Take care x

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Melanoma 3C recurrence - immunotherapy?