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Targeted Therapy Response (Repost)
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Targeted Therapy Response (Repost)

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Targeted Therapy Response (Repost)

  • Post
    • November 20, 2018 at 2:31 am
    scrapnmom
    Participant

      Hello (I am not sure my previous post went through),

      My husband has Stage IV nodular melanoma and has been put on target treament as the immunitherapy did not worked, acted like a catalyst. He has cancer in lungs, nodes, liver, sternum, vertebrae and kidneys. His LDH was 1103 when cancer was at its worst but came down to 179 in October while on the targeted meds, the doc cut his dose down by a pill to see if it would help with side effects. His LDH went from 226 last week to 328 this week. She put him back on the full dose this week. She has told us once these stop working the only thing left is a trial IF we can find one. She also said she wouldn't put him back on the immuniotherapy as he blew through it and would not stop and start the targeted. She told us not to worry about the LDH number but she is more concerned about the liver function numbers which are improving. The most recent scans show the cancer has regressed but there is still a great deal present in his body in his nodes, lungs, liver and bones. He actually feels really good.

      The yo-yo effect on our emotions is horrible and it is really taking a toll on our kids. It is just such a horrible disease. I would appreciate any advice, encouragement or words of wisdome and of course, prayers are always welcome.

      Thank you for listening.

      Kimberly

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        • November 20, 2018 at 6:05 am
        MelanomaMike
        Participant

          Hi Kimberly, im Mike, not sure if weve replied to eacother but nevertheless here "I" am :} My heart is with yer husband, i to am filled with Melanoma"s "fury" if you will, they reside in both lungs, im currently on the ipi/nivo combo {i made it through the ipi & now im on #7 of nivo by itself, i to am reaching the end of therapies left to do!}, i have a surgery set for next month {Dec} to remove one tumor thats NOT reponding to anything we throw at it…You speak of "emotional" YoYo-ing, a rollercoaster of ups & downs {mostly downs for me, not that im complaining im alive!}..I can say this, through the tough times read or listen to music, pray if you are spiritual and just flat out "be there for him" ok? "You" may feel helpless but he doesnt feel "Alone" and these are yet one of the many "Pros & Cons" of treatment & caregiving, i have a loving, supporting wife that helps me tremendously and cannot fathom the many folks that go at this "alone"…

          • November 20, 2018 at 1:45 pm
          marta010
          Participant

            Hi Kimberly – I totally relate to the yo-yo emotional effect this has on you and your family.  My husband has been battling since 2012 and has gone through so much.  He's been on targeted therapy (dabrafenib) for 4+ years with mostly stable results.  His brain hasn't always cooperated so he now is on Keytruda along with the dabrafenib after a previously treated brain met resurfaced.  I hope your husband has a long period of response with the targeted therapy.  We always have held on to the belief that researchers are developing new treatments and he just has hang in there til the next one comes along.  Take a deep breath while your husband is feeling good and enjoy the holidays as best you can.  Take care.

            Ann

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