2nd dose of immunotherapy postponed
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2nd dose of immunotherapy postponed

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › 2nd dose of immunotherapy postponed

  • Post
    • July 29, 2019 at 6:47 pm
    Lou39
    Participant
      Hi, I posted a little while back about my Dad, who unfortunately has stage IV melanoma. The melanoma has spread to his liver and possibly his spine. He had his first treatment of Opdivo/Yervoy 3 weeks ago and has been feeling very unwell since, which we thought was due to side effects from the medication. He went into hospital today for his second treatment to be told the results of a blood test from last week indicate that his liver is inflamed. An ultrasound today has confirmed the inflammation and my Dad now has to take a 5 day course of steroids. If the steroids work then treatment can recommence in a week. Has this happened to anyone else before and their treatment has recommenced?
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        • July 29, 2019 at 7:27 pm
        MarkR
        Participant
          Hi
          This happened to me after a few treatments but mine was quite severe and it took 2 months to get under control. However it did herald a response to treatment. If nothing else the drugs are doing something and hopefully it may be a response as well as side effects
          Best wishes
          Mark
            • July 29, 2019 at 8:08 pm
            Lou39
            Participant
              Hi Mark,

              Many thanks for your reply, it’s much appreciated. I’m sorry to hear your inflammation was more severe, but it’s very encouraging to hear that they got it under control and you recommenced and responded to treatment.

              Lou

              • August 2, 2019 at 5:46 pm
              erachelski
              Participant
                Same situation with me. I have stage 4 melanoma, major tumors have been surgically removed. After 3rd immunotherapy treatment I have been dealing with liver inflammation, higher doses of Prednison (40mg x 2) have been working but once lowered my ALT increased to around 300U/L.. and AST to 140 u/L. I have started taking Mycophenolate 1500mg x2. It has been 2 months since my last immunotherapy. My blood work has been very good except liver enzymes. Prednison side effect are getting to me, insomnia, weight gains and bloating. I hope that this month I can finish OPDIVO/YERVOY combo.
                Best wishes
                Gene

              • July 30, 2019 at 12:48 am
              Bubbles
              Participant
                This report is a bit old, and written for anti-PD-1 ~ but it all still applies to immunotherapy side effects. It was presented by melanoma specialists for the purpose of educating other oncologists on how to manage side effects. http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2016/07/excellent-pdf-on-how-to-deal-with.html

                Overall it confirms what Mark experienced. While side effects can be nasty, with quick recognition, appropriate treatment and a drug holiday – most melanoma peeps can return to treatment and attain a beneficial response. I wish you and your dad my best. Celeste

                  • July 30, 2019 at 4:36 pm
                  Lou39
                  Participant
                    Hi Celeste, thank you for your response and for the article link. I’ve had a quick read and I’m assuming/hoping that the liver inflammation is not too bad as my Dad has been prescribed only a short course of steroids and is booked in for further treatment next week. It does give us some comfort that perhaps this is just a bump in the road.

                    All the best, Lou

                  • July 30, 2019 at 2:12 am
                  MelanomaMike
                  Participant
                    Hi Lou39, I’m truly sorry about your Dad’s “postponment” of his Ipi & Nivo, just know, it’s bound to happen with Immunal drugs, heck! ANY therapy that is injected into us can have its side effects, like yer Dad, I to did the Yervoy & Opdivo and 6 days after “MY” first infusion of Ipi/Nivo, my Adrenal and putitary glands shut down ( pure hell when that happens!) and till this day, my body doesn’t produce “Cortisol” on its own, (I take Hydrocortisones now) and yes, a few times my infusions where postponed, due to this & that in my good work, it’s gonna happen, it’s normal…missing a few days or week or so is not gonna hinder his fight against Melanoma, good news has it, it keeps working for ya! Take care & tell him MRF is with him 100%!….
                      • July 30, 2019 at 4:44 pm
                      Lou39
                      Participant
                        Hi MelanomaMike, thank you for your response, it’s much appreciated. I’m sorry to hear of the effect the drugs had on your pituitary and adrenal glands. It does sound like you had a very difficult time while going through immunotherapy. It does give us some hope that you were able to continue despite the set backs. I truly hope that this will be the case for my Dad. Thank you for the good wishes! I wish you all the very best too.

                        Lou

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