marshajay
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

marshajay

Forum Replies Created

Viewing 2 reply threads
  • Replies
      • August 17, 2015 at 3:04 am
      marshajay
      Participant

        My Dad (87) experienced swelling around his brain tumor after 3 rounds of Opdivo. The Opdivo seemed to be working on shrinking the tumors in his abdomen but we are pretty sure caused the swelling around the brain tumor that was previously treated with radiation.

        We suspended the Opdivo and started steroids but he's had the typical side effects of mood swings and agitation. The doctors at Northwestern suggested trying Avasitn as an alternative to reduce the swelling. (Used successfully with some forms of brain cancer) If it works, the plan is to suspend the steroids and try to resume the immunotherapy but we haven't found any research on Avastin being used in conjunction with Opdivo. Good luck to you with your dad. 

        • August 17, 2015 at 3:04 am
        marshajay
        Participant

          My Dad (87) experienced swelling around his brain tumor after 3 rounds of Opdivo. The Opdivo seemed to be working on shrinking the tumors in his abdomen but we are pretty sure caused the swelling around the brain tumor that was previously treated with radiation.

          We suspended the Opdivo and started steroids but he's had the typical side effects of mood swings and agitation. The doctors at Northwestern suggested trying Avasitn as an alternative to reduce the swelling. (Used successfully with some forms of brain cancer) If it works, the plan is to suspend the steroids and try to resume the immunotherapy but we haven't found any research on Avastin being used in conjunction with Opdivo. Good luck to you with your dad. 

          • August 17, 2015 at 3:04 am
          marshajay
          Participant

            My Dad (87) experienced swelling around his brain tumor after 3 rounds of Opdivo. The Opdivo seemed to be working on shrinking the tumors in his abdomen but we are pretty sure caused the swelling around the brain tumor that was previously treated with radiation.

            We suspended the Opdivo and started steroids but he's had the typical side effects of mood swings and agitation. The doctors at Northwestern suggested trying Avasitn as an alternative to reduce the swelling. (Used successfully with some forms of brain cancer) If it works, the plan is to suspend the steroids and try to resume the immunotherapy but we haven't found any research on Avastin being used in conjunction with Opdivo. Good luck to you with your dad. 

            • August 4, 2015 at 1:47 am
            marshajay
            Participant

              Thanks Ed. I am referring to Avastin. We tried steroids and they are causing a great deal of emotional side effects. The doctors are recommending Avastin instead of the steroids – but we don't have any research about using that after or with Optivo. 

              • August 4, 2015 at 1:47 am
              marshajay
              Participant

                Thanks Ed. I am referring to Avastin. We tried steroids and they are causing a great deal of emotional side effects. The doctors are recommending Avastin instead of the steroids – but we don't have any research about using that after or with Optivo. 

                • August 4, 2015 at 1:47 am
                marshajay
                Participant

                  Thanks Ed. I am referring to Avastin. We tried steroids and they are causing a great deal of emotional side effects. The doctors are recommending Avastin instead of the steroids – but we don't have any research about using that after or with Optivo. 

                  • August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am
                  marshajay
                  Participant

                    Thank you for responding. It looks like we may give it a try to reduce the edema caused by the immunotherapy treatment. I can't find any research of using Avestin with Optivo, but we may give it a try. 

                    • August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am
                    marshajay
                    Participant

                      Thank you for responding. It looks like we may give it a try to reduce the edema caused by the immunotherapy treatment. I can't find any research of using Avestin with Optivo, but we may give it a try. 

                      • August 4, 2015 at 1:39 am
                      marshajay
                      Participant

                        Thank you for responding. It looks like we may give it a try to reduce the edema caused by the immunotherapy treatment. I can't find any research of using Avestin with Optivo, but we may give it a try. 

                    Viewing 2 reply threads
                    About the MRF Patient Forum

                    The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                    The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.