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Husband is Stage 4 and I have questions…
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Husband is Stage 4 and I have questions…

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Husband is Stage 4 and I have questions…

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    • August 19, 2017 at 11:42 pm
    Megara984
    Participant

      Hey all. I am new to this forum. My husband just turned 40 in July was just diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma (it's in his spleen, upper chest lymph nodes, and bones). He is going on his 3rd round of the Opdivo/Yervoy infusion. So far no crazy side effects, just fatigue. I guess my question is how long will it take for him to start feeling something? As in getting "better"? Or that it's working? The lymph nodes in his chest are causing him to cough… we've noticed it's not as bad a cough but it's still there (the cough has been going on since April). We've met with a radiologist and he wants to wait and see if the immuno works before trying anything. Also they want him to eat up to 2300 calories a day. We've ruled out milk and cold drinks since it tends to set off the coughing. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for any words of encouragement and feedback.  We are both for the most part in a positive mindset… we just have questions. 

      Again thanks in advance. 

       

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    • Replies
        • August 20, 2017 at 12:09 am
        jennunicorn
        Participant

          So sorry your husband had to join this club. He is on the top treatment option and it's good he hasn't had any major side effects. I was able to get through the 4 combos with nothing too major in the way of side effects. Been on Opdivo maintanence infusions for quite a while now. There is really no way to know how well it's working until his scan. And even then, the first scan after the main doses isn't going to give a big picture. This stuff takes time. Hopefully he will have a good response to this treatment like many others have. If you want a more detailed breakdown of all the side effects I've experienced and my journey, you can check it out in my profile. 

          Best,

            • August 20, 2017 at 12:19 am
            Megara984
            Participant

              Thanks! All of the docs and oncologists we've been seeing are wonderful and have high hopes he will beat this. It just feels like this came out of nowhere. And this coughing thing has him beyond frustrated. The one thing we are both trying to stay as positive as we can. I'm happy I found this website so I can find people who are going through this to bounce questions off of and get real people feedback and not just a basic medical response ( if that makes sense). I've read a lot about his treatment and I know it's gonna take some time, that it doesn't work overnight. 

            • August 20, 2017 at 3:15 am
            Bubbles
            Participant

              I am sorry for what you and your husband are dealing with.  Jenn's comments are on point.  You may find this report and graph interesting: http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2016/02/time-to-responseipi-vs-nivo-and-ipi.html

              Median time to response is three months.  But as the graph shows, there are folks who do not respond until 6-10 months.  I wish you both well.  Celeste

                • August 20, 2017 at 4:18 am
                Megara984
                Participant

                  Thanks. Very helpful. When I have time I'm gonna read up on your blog… it looks interesting. (Side note: I too love to sew.) 

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