Opdivo results question
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Opdivo results question

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Opdivo results question

  • Post
    • June 26, 2018 at 2:19 am
    BethPendley
    Participant

      Hi everyone- My dad was diagnosed advanced Stage 3 in April when he had a shave biopsy on scalp concurrent with neck lymph node biopsy (he went for what was expected to be sebaceous cyst removal that turned out much more serious. Due to some cardio issues, WLE and modified radical lymph dissection delayed couple of months and he started Opdivo May 30. Between original biopsy April 2 and start of Opdivo, another visible pretty large melanoma tumor appeared in same spot as original biopsy (became noticeable early May and continued to grow). Oncologist at Moffitt did needle biopsy May 25 to confirm it was melanoma and not unrelated infection- positive.

      After 2 Opdivo treatments (third will be Wednesday), the visible tumor is gone. The medical and surgical onc told us if it continued to grow we would need to accelerate surgery despite cardio risks. My question is- is this a really positive sign that the tumor has shrunk so significantly or am I being overly optimistic?

      thanks and God bless!

      beth 

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    • Replies
        • June 26, 2018 at 3:46 am
        KellyH
        Participant

          Hi Beth. 

          I want to say that’s a great sign but I am not as knowledgeable yet about Opdivo as some other folks on here. 

          My son was diagnosed in February, with the final staging result as Stage 3A ….he began his Opdivo adjuvant therapy in May also. He gets his 3rd dose tomorrow.  

          I would love to think that it  could be working already.  I will be anxious to see some of your responses!!!! I have found this is a great place to get support from other patients and family members that have gone through the experience themselves. Good luck to your dad in his treatments!!!! 

          kelly 🙂 

            • June 26, 2018 at 11:12 pm
            BethPendley
            Participant

              Thanks so much Kelly! Best wishes to your son as well! I will keep you posted on the doctors input since we will actually be seeing him to check in before tomorrow's treatment!

              • June 27, 2018 at 12:03 am
              KellyH
              Participant

                Thanks Beth!!!! It sounds like your dad and my son are in the same point of their course….it will be good to compare notes!!!! 

                Talk to you soon!!  

                Kelly 

                • June 27, 2018 at 11:21 pm
                BethPendley
                Participant

                  Hi Kelly – Dr was so encouraged today about how much the neck tumor lymph tumor had shrunk. He said it is definitely a positive sign! Our next scans aren't until 8/15 but it is good to get this tidbit of good news. How is your son doing?

                  Beth

                  • June 28, 2018 at 12:31 am
                  KellyH
                  Participant

                    That’s really awesome news!!!! I’m glad to hear you got some encouraging news!!!!  My son is doing well so far. 3 Opdivo treatments in and no side effects. I am hoping he continues to do this well…the unknown is definitely scary.   We just take one day at a time!!!!  

                    Kelly 🙂 

                  • June 26, 2018 at 3:11 pm
                  sister of patient
                  Participant

                    Hi Beth – I think every person's response is probably a little different but I can tell you that the ipi/nivo combo did work quickly for my sister and we could see mets disappearing over a few weeks. When she was on targeted therapy (Taf/Mek), we saw a response within the first few days!!! So, yes, it is possible that Opdivo (nivo) is "doing its thing" for your Dad this quickly!! I certainly hope that's the case!! Wishing him the best possible outcome!!

                    Barb

                      • June 26, 2018 at 11:13 pm
                      BethPendley
                      Participant

                        Hi Barb! Thank you so much for the reply and positive energy! That is very encouraging news to hear about your sister! 

                         

                        Beth

                      • June 27, 2018 at 1:28 pm
                      cancersnewnormal
                      Participant

                        It's always a little unnerving to want to allow ourselves to be optimistic… but in my personal case, it only took 2-3 Keytruda infusions for a palpable subQ on my arm to go away, and for new brain lesions to quit cropping up. It sounds like his response has been great! Let yourself smile.  🙂

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