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Early Keytruda side effcts-cellulitis type

Forums General Melanoma Community Early Keytruda side effcts-cellulitis type

  • Post
    debwray
    Participant

      Hi Folks,

      Had infusion 2 -18 days ago. Currently Stage III Melanoma-on drug  trial Keytruda v placebo to prevent recurrence.

      10 days after first infusion had dramatic inflammation and rash following route of likely lymph redirect- round thigh and buttock – (inguinal and pelvic lymph dissection late Dec 2015). Resolved to bruising- Lymphoedema practioner was interested and took photos.

      12 days after second infusion more probs- woke up and had lost significant movement in melanoma leg- back on elbow crutches as so painful to walk. ( Like  10 days after total knee replacement September 2015)

      Lymphoedema swelling pronounced- can't even lift foot to drive to docs. Running temps= was assessed for spinal lesion- new MRI negative.  crp 100 plus ESR 20 . Movement issues reduce so discharged from hospital after precautionary overnight stay but then end up with high temps and aggressive cellulitis type rash from above knee to ankle that evening.

      Antibiotics started for cellulitis by GP. fiollowing morning. Movement still painful and restricted but not as severe as initially. Redness much reduced.  Temp still spiking intermittently.

      Question- Has anyone else had violent rashes at the site of previous recent surgeries ( Knee replaced  28 September 2015 )

      Are the violent rashes likely to recurr ? Anyone else had anything similar ? Its all rather strange

       

       – 

       

    Viewing 2 reply threads
    • Replies
        Jane Hearn
        Participant

          My husband has had 5 Keytruda treatments.  He had the temperature spikes like you (actually 3–three nights in a row following his first infusion ) (103.8–I checked with TWO thermometers– but it went right down with Ibuprophen).  His colon quit working after the second infusion. (We ended up in the ER to make sure it wasn't a blockage.  Nope.  Just all fluid hanging out above his colon which wasn't working.  They called it ileus.)  He is currently having A LOT of back pain where he previously had SOME back pain.  It is our opinion (his and mine–not a professional opinion) that the Keytruda response is zeroing in on places where he might have had some inflamation.  He has a hernia, and that area is really bothering him, as well.

          He is getting rashes at night, too.  They get red and really itch.  Topical cream is helping. Sometimes, if he breaks the skin while he is scratching, they are visible the next day, but otherwise, they seem to recede during the day. 

          I'm sorry you are having such a hard time.  It seems that some people have adverse reactions to Keytruda, but most people do not.  I wish you the best, and hope that your side effects decrease the longer you are on the drug, as they have for my husband.

          Jane Hearn
          Participant

            My husband has had 5 Keytruda treatments.  He had the temperature spikes like you (actually 3–three nights in a row following his first infusion ) (103.8–I checked with TWO thermometers– but it went right down with Ibuprophen).  His colon quit working after the second infusion. (We ended up in the ER to make sure it wasn't a blockage.  Nope.  Just all fluid hanging out above his colon which wasn't working.  They called it ileus.)  He is currently having A LOT of back pain where he previously had SOME back pain.  It is our opinion (his and mine–not a professional opinion) that the Keytruda response is zeroing in on places where he might have had some inflamation.  He has a hernia, and that area is really bothering him, as well.

            He is getting rashes at night, too.  They get red and really itch.  Topical cream is helping. Sometimes, if he breaks the skin while he is scratching, they are visible the next day, but otherwise, they seem to recede during the day. 

            I'm sorry you are having such a hard time.  It seems that some people have adverse reactions to Keytruda, but most people do not.  I wish you the best, and hope that your side effects decrease the longer you are on the drug, as they have for my husband.

              debwray
              Participant

                Thank you for taking time and trouble to reply. Went to GP this morning as TKR knee still hot swollen , stiff and painful.  It does feel like side effects are honing in on body areas previously stressed or carrying inflammation.

                Next move is extend the antibiotics- treat as inflammation- but GP wants to rule out infection in replacement knee so trying to arrange urgent assessment by appropriate team.. 

                My gut feeling is that the finger is still pointing at a Keytruda adverse reaction.. but because it is a reaction on only one leg.there are doubts. As for the rashes- if it is cellulitis, its a weird variety as the rash can be red hot and fiery at night but almost nothing by morning ?

                Would love to hear from any one else with similar experiences and what the outcome was. As ever best wishes to you all dealing with this.. at least we have more treatment options now.

                 

                 

                 

                debwray
                Participant

                  Thank you for taking time and trouble to reply. Went to GP this morning as TKR knee still hot swollen , stiff and painful.  It does feel like side effects are honing in on body areas previously stressed or carrying inflammation.

                  Next move is extend the antibiotics- treat as inflammation- but GP wants to rule out infection in replacement knee so trying to arrange urgent assessment by appropriate team.. 

                  My gut feeling is that the finger is still pointing at a Keytruda adverse reaction.. but because it is a reaction on only one leg.there are doubts. As for the rashes- if it is cellulitis, its a weird variety as the rash can be red hot and fiery at night but almost nothing by morning ?

                  Would love to hear from any one else with similar experiences and what the outcome was. As ever best wishes to you all dealing with this.. at least we have more treatment options now.

                   

                   

                   

                  debwray
                  Participant

                    Thank you for taking time and trouble to reply. Went to GP this morning as TKR knee still hot swollen , stiff and painful.  It does feel like side effects are honing in on body areas previously stressed or carrying inflammation.

                    Next move is extend the antibiotics- treat as inflammation- but GP wants to rule out infection in replacement knee so trying to arrange urgent assessment by appropriate team.. 

                    My gut feeling is that the finger is still pointing at a Keytruda adverse reaction.. but because it is a reaction on only one leg.there are doubts. As for the rashes- if it is cellulitis, its a weird variety as the rash can be red hot and fiery at night but almost nothing by morning ?

                    Would love to hear from any one else with similar experiences and what the outcome was. As ever best wishes to you all dealing with this.. at least we have more treatment options now.

                     

                     

                     

                  Jane Hearn
                  Participant

                    My husband has had 5 Keytruda treatments.  He had the temperature spikes like you (actually 3–three nights in a row following his first infusion ) (103.8–I checked with TWO thermometers– but it went right down with Ibuprophen).  His colon quit working after the second infusion. (We ended up in the ER to make sure it wasn't a blockage.  Nope.  Just all fluid hanging out above his colon which wasn't working.  They called it ileus.)  He is currently having A LOT of back pain where he previously had SOME back pain.  It is our opinion (his and mine–not a professional opinion) that the Keytruda response is zeroing in on places where he might have had some inflamation.  He has a hernia, and that area is really bothering him, as well.

                    He is getting rashes at night, too.  They get red and really itch.  Topical cream is helping. Sometimes, if he breaks the skin while he is scratching, they are visible the next day, but otherwise, they seem to recede during the day. 

                    I'm sorry you are having such a hard time.  It seems that some people have adverse reactions to Keytruda, but most people do not.  I wish you the best, and hope that your side effects decrease the longer you are on the drug, as they have for my husband.

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