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Zelboraf stopped working now trying Yervoy
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Zelboraf stopped working now trying Yervoy

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Zelboraf stopped working now trying Yervoy

  • Post
    • December 5, 2013 at 4:56 pm
    out4air
    Participant

      My husband had been on Z from May through November when it stopped working.  We could tell because we started seeing growth on his scalp and new melanoma spots appearing.  Back to Moffitt/Tampa we went and the recommendation is to go off Z for two weeks to get it out of system before starting Yervoy (ipi).  His first Yervoy transfusion was 12/3 and so far he is doing very well.  Our oncologist said that if he experiences any side effects most likely they won't appear until about 2-4 weeks and we probably won't see any changes for a few weeks either.  She said that in fact sometimes it gets worse before it gets better.  All CT scans, PET scans and MRI's done indicate no internal cancer.  He is diagnosed with Stage III Metatastic Unresectable Scalp Melanoma.

      Over the two weeks he was off Z the melanoma grew at a rapid rate on his scalp with many new spots appearing and ones that were already there growing.  My question is if and when the Yervoy begins working and the melanoma growth stops on his head what happens about the current spots that are there now?  Is it safe that they remain there as long as no new growth appears?

      Our Oncologist did not indicate to us that we would see the spots compeltely disappear but is that possible?

      Has anyone ever had similar experiences?  I would appreciate any information or advice thanks!

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    • Replies
        • December 16, 2013 at 1:38 pm
        Gene_S
        Participant

          Hello,

          My husband was on yervoy when he moved to stage IV and had an unresectable tumor on his head/neck area at the C1-C2 cervical spine area and he also had them in his liver and lungs and 3 that were visible near the unresectable one.  We started watching the ones that were visible shrink before the first 4 treatments in 12 weeks.  We documented it with pictures that were taken with a nickel for comparison in size.  His oncologist got a kick out of our pictures.  If you wish to read more check out his profile if you are able to view them by now.  If you have more questions feel free to write us.

          By the way he was on yervoy for 1 1/2 years when he became NED (no evidence of disease) and has been that way for 1 1/4 years now so he went off of the Yervoy Clinical Trial he was on last month.

          Judy (loving wife of Gene Stage IV and now NED)

          • December 16, 2013 at 1:38 pm
          Gene_S
          Participant

            Hello,

            My husband was on yervoy when he moved to stage IV and had an unresectable tumor on his head/neck area at the C1-C2 cervical spine area and he also had them in his liver and lungs and 3 that were visible near the unresectable one.  We started watching the ones that were visible shrink before the first 4 treatments in 12 weeks.  We documented it with pictures that were taken with a nickel for comparison in size.  His oncologist got a kick out of our pictures.  If you wish to read more check out his profile if you are able to view them by now.  If you have more questions feel free to write us.

            By the way he was on yervoy for 1 1/2 years when he became NED (no evidence of disease) and has been that way for 1 1/4 years now so he went off of the Yervoy Clinical Trial he was on last month.

            Judy (loving wife of Gene Stage IV and now NED)

            • December 16, 2013 at 1:38 pm
            Gene_S
            Participant

              Hello,

              My husband was on yervoy when he moved to stage IV and had an unresectable tumor on his head/neck area at the C1-C2 cervical spine area and he also had them in his liver and lungs and 3 that were visible near the unresectable one.  We started watching the ones that were visible shrink before the first 4 treatments in 12 weeks.  We documented it with pictures that were taken with a nickel for comparison in size.  His oncologist got a kick out of our pictures.  If you wish to read more check out his profile if you are able to view them by now.  If you have more questions feel free to write us.

              By the way he was on yervoy for 1 1/2 years when he became NED (no evidence of disease) and has been that way for 1 1/4 years now so he went off of the Yervoy Clinical Trial he was on last month.

              Judy (loving wife of Gene Stage IV and now NED)

          Viewing 2 reply threads
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