› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Need input on treatment options . . .
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FormerCaregiver.
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- January 18, 2012 at 7:34 am
My dad age 76 was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma cancer in November 2011. He had it just in his lungs in November and now has it in his liver too. He has now completed all the tests in order to determine his options of treatment. Today he was given the following 3 options:
1) Yervoy, which we were told has about a 20 to 30% response, 10% of patients have long term benefits – some side effects can include: colitis,
My dad age 76 was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma cancer in November 2011. He had it just in his lungs in November and now has it in his liver too. He has now completed all the tests in order to determine his options of treatment. Today he was given the following 3 options:
1) Yervoy, which we were told has about a 20 to 30% response, 10% of patients have long term benefits – some side effects can include: colitis,
10%, hepatitis, itchy rash, irritation to liver,severe headaches, low thyroid, and fatigue.
2)Temedor: 12-15% response. Doc said that it is extremely unlikely that it will cure him. As it is chemotherapy, some side effects can include nausea and vomiting, risk of infection, loss of appetite, and diaherria.3)Supportive Care: care to improve the quality of life.My dad already decided that he will go with option 3 – supportive Care. My dad has had Parkinson's for about 13 years now and I know it is wearing him down as his body has been declining every year. He can still get around, but his legs have become much weaker and overall strength is much weaker. He uses a cane and some days his legs just don't cooperate. He does have good days though where he will walk a half a mile to a mile or so.I give this background because I'm thinking about trying to convince him to try the Yervoy, but wondering if I am being too selfish in not considering his fear of all the side effects of Yervoy. The pharmacist made it sound like the side effects are definitely manageable. Just wondering if because of his age and Parkinson's is he going to have a much tougher time at the side effects. Does anyone have any experience of a loved one in this age category that has gone with the Yervoy treatment?Thanks for any input you can provide.Michelle
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- January 21, 2012 at 1:45 am
Michelle, welcome to our forum. I encourage you to fill in some info on the profile page that you may wish to create for your dad. This will help us to help you better.
I know someone who is 85 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 2 years ago. (He doesn't have melanoma). Although his condition has worsened noticeably since then, it appears that he is doing ok now as he is being treated with the latest medications.
As your dad has tumour(s) in his liver, it is wise to be aware of the fact that without treatment his condition could deteriorate rapidly without a lot of warning. Has he had a CT and/or PET scan recently? If so, what were the results?
I understand your dad's fears about how he will react to Yervoy. However, a small number of people have very mild side effects. I feel that it is impossible to be certain of how anyone will respond to any treatment without the patient actually trying it.
Hope this helps
Frank from Australia
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- January 21, 2012 at 1:45 am
Michelle, welcome to our forum. I encourage you to fill in some info on the profile page that you may wish to create for your dad. This will help us to help you better.
I know someone who is 85 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 2 years ago. (He doesn't have melanoma). Although his condition has worsened noticeably since then, it appears that he is doing ok now as he is being treated with the latest medications.
As your dad has tumour(s) in his liver, it is wise to be aware of the fact that without treatment his condition could deteriorate rapidly without a lot of warning. Has he had a CT and/or PET scan recently? If so, what were the results?
I understand your dad's fears about how he will react to Yervoy. However, a small number of people have very mild side effects. I feel that it is impossible to be certain of how anyone will respond to any treatment without the patient actually trying it.
Hope this helps
Frank from Australia
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- January 21, 2012 at 1:45 am
Michelle, welcome to our forum. I encourage you to fill in some info on the profile page that you may wish to create for your dad. This will help us to help you better.
I know someone who is 85 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 2 years ago. (He doesn't have melanoma). Although his condition has worsened noticeably since then, it appears that he is doing ok now as he is being treated with the latest medications.
As your dad has tumour(s) in his liver, it is wise to be aware of the fact that without treatment his condition could deteriorate rapidly without a lot of warning. Has he had a CT and/or PET scan recently? If so, what were the results?
I understand your dad's fears about how he will react to Yervoy. However, a small number of people have very mild side effects. I feel that it is impossible to be certain of how anyone will respond to any treatment without the patient actually trying it.
Hope this helps
Frank from Australia
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