Preparation for treatment

Everyone has very individual side effects and some don't experience many at all. I have not had many issues with the combo, it's not like traditional chemo, generally most can handle immunotherapy well. But, be aware of the more serious side effects like colitis and thyroid issues, anything like diarrhea, headache that doesn't go away, major fatigue to the point of not being able to get out of bed in the morning, should be reported to her oncologist right away. Not everyone experiences these things, but best to be aware so in the event something does come up it can be treated quickly. You can go into my profile and read a more detailed description of all of the side effects I have come accross. Most people don't experience any side effects after the first infusion, usually takes after the second or third before something comes up. 

I had only fatigue and mild fever after the first infusion.  The second went the same way until about 10 days post infusion.  I had high fever (104) and severe chills.  This ended up being hepatitis so I ended up on steroids.  The good news is that it was gradual and easily treated.  I think many who've had traditional chemo deal with much worse.  During the hepatitis I couldn't eat/had some nausea and vomiting but again it wasn't horrible.  I was on prednisone for 3 months and another medication to finally get my liver under control.  I've been back on Nivo only since April and doing fine.  Most tumors are gone.  I had a very good response.  I hope your Mom fares well.  I was able to eat and drink normally with the exception of just a few days during the hepatitis.  As another member posted it is incredibly important to report all side effects immediately.  Your Mom may have little to no side effects at all.  Wishing you both well.

Jennifer

As they two ladies mentioned and helped me, fatique, thyroied, and rashes.  Bad rashes/hives.  Keep on hand the Aveena for Excema (colooidal oiatmeal).  And i had to start taking Allegra every monrning.  Whenever I didn't I'd wake up with severe rash along side my body whre i slept, and could only wear cotton.  Lots of good advise right here!  I had extreme fatique.  After 3rd infusion of Opdivo/Yervoy my liver panel eas extreme.  I was put on what they call (I am learining alot) the 5 pack of Presnisone.  5 pills for 5 days, 4 for 5 days etc and just started the 1/2 for 5 days.  My blood is tested weekly now and almost down to normal level!!  Because of this i was unable to have the 4th dose.  But was so fortunate to not have the fever, nauea etc that Ii have read others have had.  Since starting the Prednisone tho i have had bad insomnia.  Ffor 10 days i averagemmaybe 3  hours a night sleep.  Finally when my liver panel was ccoming down Dr said I cook take the xanax or mellatonin .  Those were the side effects i experrienced.  Don't be afraid to ask, others before us are very helpful.  I get my Petscan on Seppt 11. Anxious to see what went oni nside??

Sharon

 I lost 11 lbs after my first Yervoy/Opdivo treatment and had very bad diarrhea.  My doctor postponed my second Yervoy/Opdivo treatment, until I regained weight.  A dietitian told me to eat more calories. I switched from skim milk to full fat milk.  I should have changed my diet before treatment began.