Yervoy – Do you have to have symptoms in order for it to work?
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Yervoy – Do you have to have symptoms in order for it to work?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Yervoy – Do you have to have symptoms in order for it to work?

  • Post
    • September 20, 2011 at 4:58 pm
    Lisa13
    Participant

    On Thursday, I have my 3rd infusion of Yervoy. Other than a faint rash on my chest, itchy skin and some abdominal cramping, I havn't had any symptoms.  When I see my Dr. tomorrow, I plan to ask what my absolute lymphcyte count is so I can see if my immune system is responding. That being said, do you have to have symptoms in order for this to work? I read on another website that the stronger the symptoms on yervoy, the better the response.

    On Thursday, I have my 3rd infusion of Yervoy. Other than a faint rash on my chest, itchy skin and some abdominal cramping, I havn't had any symptoms.  When I see my Dr. tomorrow, I plan to ask what my absolute lymphcyte count is so I can see if my immune system is responding. That being said, do you have to have symptoms in order for this to work? I read on another website that the stronger the symptoms on yervoy, the better the response.  Is this true??  Are there any complete responders who had little to no symptoms and it worked?  I hate not knowing what's going on inside my body, but I'm hanging in there and hoping for the best.

    Lisa

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  • Replies
      • September 20, 2011 at 5:56 pm
      momof2kids
      Participant

      I've only had 1 treatment so far, start my 2nd one Sept 23rd, and I got a few questions for my doctor as well.

       

      I do remember him saying though that there were a few responses that means the drug is working and revving up your immune system and were good side effects.  Unfortunately he talks so fast I miss half the stuff he says.  I will have to ask the same thing.

      Just today I got my 1st spot of rash on my back, I'm hoping that's a good thing?

      GOOD LUCK!

      • September 20, 2011 at 5:56 pm
      momof2kids
      Participant

      I've only had 1 treatment so far, start my 2nd one Sept 23rd, and I got a few questions for my doctor as well.

       

      I do remember him saying though that there were a few responses that means the drug is working and revving up your immune system and were good side effects.  Unfortunately he talks so fast I miss half the stuff he says.  I will have to ask the same thing.

      Just today I got my 1st spot of rash on my back, I'm hoping that's a good thing?

      GOOD LUCK!

        • September 20, 2011 at 9:47 pm
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant

        Hi Lisa,

        Please read my profile and also do the search for ipilimumab and read any of my posts about side effects. But in a nutshell…I did 4 infusions of ipi yervoy) 12/10 to 2/11….I had some minor side effects…..thats it, and I am a COMPLETE RESPONDER….and 6 months later I am completely NED. Will I stay this way?? Who knows…..what we DO know is melanoma is unpredictable….so for today, I am NED and I am living life each day to the best of my ability. I stay positive and in the moment. Do I have short term and long term plans?? You betcha! But I take one day at a time, and will deal with whatever comes along next.

        I dont know what to say to reassure you, but just know that everyone is different and how we each responds to treatment is very individual. Live each day in the moment, prepare for the worst and hope for the best! (Meaning while you do this treatment have plan b and plan c in mind, discuss with your oncologist, etc)

        Hugs,

        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED for 6 months!

        ps I am working full time, this is my 6th week and life is full, busy and I feel GREAT!!!!

        • September 20, 2011 at 9:47 pm
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant

        Hi Lisa,

        Please read my profile and also do the search for ipilimumab and read any of my posts about side effects. But in a nutshell…I did 4 infusions of ipi yervoy) 12/10 to 2/11….I had some minor side effects…..thats it, and I am a COMPLETE RESPONDER….and 6 months later I am completely NED. Will I stay this way?? Who knows…..what we DO know is melanoma is unpredictable….so for today, I am NED and I am living life each day to the best of my ability. I stay positive and in the moment. Do I have short term and long term plans?? You betcha! But I take one day at a time, and will deal with whatever comes along next.

        I dont know what to say to reassure you, but just know that everyone is different and how we each responds to treatment is very individual. Live each day in the moment, prepare for the worst and hope for the best! (Meaning while you do this treatment have plan b and plan c in mind, discuss with your oncologist, etc)

        Hugs,

        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED for 6 months!

        ps I am working full time, this is my 6th week and life is full, busy and I feel GREAT!!!!

        • September 21, 2011 at 12:24 am
        Lisa13
        Participant

        Donna,

        Your post made me smile 🙂  I"m so happy you were a complete responder and I wish you many, many years of NED! 

        I agree that everyone responds very differently to each drug.  I hope to have more answers tomorrow, but I'm keeping positive about things. Like you, life is busy and I feel great despite cancer.

        Best to luck to both of you!

        Lisa

        • September 21, 2011 at 12:24 am
        Lisa13
        Participant

        Donna,

        Your post made me smile 🙂  I"m so happy you were a complete responder and I wish you many, many years of NED! 

        I agree that everyone responds very differently to each drug.  I hope to have more answers tomorrow, but I'm keeping positive about things. Like you, life is busy and I feel great despite cancer.

        Best to luck to both of you!

        Lisa

      • September 21, 2011 at 4:37 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      Lisa, it is certainly a good idea to get your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) checked. From what I have read, an ALC greater than 1000/microL after 2 infusions has been found to have an improved clinical benefit rate.

      The immune system is highly complex, and how it responds can vary quite a lot. While signs of an immune response may be obvious in one person, these might not be evident in others. I think that a lot depends on an individual's genetics.

      Wishing you good luck on Thursday.

      Frank from Australia

      • September 21, 2011 at 4:37 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      Lisa, it is certainly a good idea to get your absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) checked. From what I have read, an ALC greater than 1000/microL after 2 infusions has been found to have an improved clinical benefit rate.

      The immune system is highly complex, and how it responds can vary quite a lot. While signs of an immune response may be obvious in one person, these might not be evident in others. I think that a lot depends on an individual's genetics.

      Wishing you good luck on Thursday.

      Frank from Australia

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