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Should I take Nivolumab for stage 2B nodular melanoma at age 75?
Melanoma & Skin Cancer | Last Active: 4 minutes ago | Replies (20)Comment receiving replies
@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.
Replies to "@joetex, I'm meeting with my oncologist on Wednesday. The drug Nivolumab he is recommending has the..."
@matt75: I'd like to share this with you as it provides a guide to many of the potential side effects one may encounnter with the various types of immunotherapies of which nivolumab (brand name Opdivo) is included: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanoma-learning-center/side-effect-management-guides/
For me, familiarizing myself with these helped me report any symptoms early to obtain treatment as they can rapidly escalate. You bring up a good point about suspending immunotherapy should any of these occur. This is generally a case specific determination based on the extent of symptoms and the results of any rendered treatment. You recommendation to discuss with the provider and seeking input from loved ones does help in the decision making process. '
Can you let me know how your appointment goes on Wednesday?
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@matt75 The AIM site has a lot on side effects and they say some chronic conditions that develop do no go away after treatment. Bugger! I would copy a nice diagram they have that shows this but I don’t think it’s allowed.