What experience has anyone had with the Signatera blood test?

I was able to get an appointment next week after all. A kind nurse called me to confirm earlier.

This morning the two tests were not included with my kidney bloodwork. Wait and see what my oncologist is planning observation/treatment wise when I meet with him in 90 minutes.

@jaxfl thank you for the continued updates! What came out of your meeting today with your oncologist?

We will start nivolumab as soon as my insurance approves the authorization. That can take up to 15 days.

Initially, he suggested monitoring. He called me back around 7PM and agreed to immunotherapy.

He stated northstar is concerning but the significance is uncertain. We have yet to establish a trend. We will complete northstar and signatera again in April and ct/MRI in May.

My kidneys are recovering well after ddmvac 4. No two additional cycles my oncologist told me.

My first Opdivo treatment will be this Thursday 4/3. I have to figure out which antihistamine to take as research indicates H1 antihistamines boosts efficacy.

Second generation H1 antihistamines are recommended. So Claritin it is. The oncology RN stated there are no contraindications for Zyrtec and Benadryl. I will drop Zyrtec (seasonal allergies) and add a daily Claritin. The urostomy RN recommended Benadryl against stoma site rash. The oncologist also prescribed odansetron and something else. I am awaiting an explanation.

Both RX’ are to manage nausea when applicable. I still have a lot of OD so I canceled that one.

My bloodwork this morning included Northstar but not Signatera interestingly. I guess my oncologist is looking for a post chemo/pre immunotherapy baseline.

Opdivo at 8AM.

First Opdivo around 930AM. No side effects so far. Fatigue but I had to get up at 5AM and I never sleep well when I know I have to get up early.

Two days in I have some minor side effects. A slight headache that comes and goes. And some nausea and feeling weird that comes and goes. I also have more energy than after chemo interestingly. I was able to buy 16 24 packs of water at CVS for the first time since August yesterday and do some home repairs yesterday.

This morning and yesterday I had to nap. Sudden fatigue sets on. But afterwards it dissipates. I have some joint pain also that comes and goes. But some of that I also had after RC surgery.

I am anxious about the second ctdna results next week. I am hoping/praying ddmvac 4 removed any mrd.