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Should I take Nivolumab for stage 2B nodular melanoma at age 75?
Melanoma & Skin Cancer | Last Active: Aug 8 1:02pm | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
I met with my oncologist yesterday at MDAnderson, a major cancer center, and he explained the trade offs with immunotherapy infusions. They see side effects in about half of their patients, fatigue, rash, fever. About 10% experience life threatening or fatal side effects. The problem is there is no way to predict how an individual will react and no way to know when it could occur during the treatment period (12 months). That 10% frightens me since I’m 84 and live alone. I’m going to be making my decision in the next few weeks.
Replies to "I met with my oncologist yesterday at MDAnderson, a major cancer center, and he explained the..."
@joetex, I'm meeting with my oncologist on Wednesday. The drug Nivolumab he is recommending has the same possible side effects as Keytruda though I'm not sure what the percentages are to having a side effect. Something I will be discussing in length with him. After reading everything about the drug and the stage of my melanoma, I'm most likely going to elect to take it. Did your doctor say that if you experienced side effects even the fatigue, rash, and fever and wanted to suspend it that the side effects would go away? I fear too, that if my cancer would reoccur it could involve even worse treatments. Hopefully you have friends or family close by that be of help to you. I'll let you know what my doctor says. Take care.
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@joetex: your oncologist brought up some very important points to consider. I myself have encountered side effects that did result in having to suspend immunotherapy. However, it is worth noting that within 3 months of Keytruda my lung nodule was completely resolved. I do have to continue with regular imaging to monitor for recurrence.
The stage and extent of melanoma may also impact your decision making. Aside from your oncologist, have you discussed how you would like to proceed with your family or those close to you?