Buongiorno,

Opdivo seems to have varied side effects. For you, exacerbation of arthritis. For me it has largely affected my thyroid and put me on synthroid. Others have other side effects. At this point there isn’t enough medical data to project. But we can both say, “Hey, I’m alive.” Hopefully for you, as with me, still having a vibrant and full physical life style.

Curious how you are maintaining what seems to be an inadequate intake to maintain weight. I’ve dropped from 160 lbs prediagmosis to 150 lbs, presently. In order to maintain that weight I consume about the same amount you do, but in 5-6 meals. There was a drop in blood protein levels, which means consuming about 50% more protein every day. Although a strict vegetarian since age 14 (now 82), I do consume fish in my diet. My muscle strength has mot diminished from prediagnosis. Had been landscaping with a lot of stone, 65 tons so far, moving some as large as 225 pounds, and still able to maintain the same pace and effort. Mind you, as a 136 pound HS freshman I benched 228 lbs. Obviously, not all muscle is created equal. Have you also noted the need to increase protein intake?

You ask regarding the feeling about an elephant on the chest. Yes and also taking about 1-1.5 hours to dissipate. About a little more than a cup per meal. Avoid drinking during meals due to that space problem.

My course from diagnosis to now, 2.5 years later, seems to parallel yours, including the year of immunotherapy. Surgery couldn’t get margins, but the Opdivo worked so well that a CT three weeks after the first infusion indicated no more tumor cells present.

Hopefully, you are having no reoccurence and also enjoying a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Ciao

My situation isn't very similar but maybe a couple ideas to ask your doctors. I was eating full meals (smaller and more frequently) after 60 days from my esophogectomy until I ran into a similar problem as yours. I had significant pressure and pain in the upper third of my pathway. It continued to get so bad that I couldn't eat or drink even small amounts without forcing myself to vomit. That only provided temporary relief. After 12 days of this, I became so malnourished and dehydrated, I checked myself in to my local hospital. Since I was on immunotherapy, I thought it might be a side effect. I ended up up having two endoscopies, a esophogram, two CT scans and an X-ray. My thoracic surgery team at Mayo didn't see a problem in the scans and felt the situation would pass (over two weeks now). My GI team found a sizable amount of food blockage between my diaphragm and intestines. The first doctor tried to pull foo up to clear it, while the second one tried to push it down through to the intestines. Additionally, my doctor prescribed a number of medications designed to activate my pathway and also relax my diaphragm. After a week of observation and treatment, I'm now back to a normal diet again. So far, so good. I really haven't had the joint pain you describe,but it sounds like you need a new hip anyway. My wife has two hip replacements and she's doing great. Ask the surgeon if he uses an anterior procedure. It's an easier and faster recovery but some surgeons aren't trained on it. Since the hip would then be titanium, I wonder if there would be any Optdivo related pain? Best to you.