My first scan since starting therapy 4 short months ago was clear of tumors. I'm beyond thankful.
Since January, I've reached out with newbie questions and fears to get quick, informed and empathetic advice. I'm humbled by the melanoma experts and veterans here and I don't feel like I have too much to offer back as I'm still learning about how immunotherapy works and the disease itself. I know I'll continue to read this forum every day to get educated on what I now know will be a lifelong battle.
Amidst the combination of those that have recently been diagnosed and, sadly, those that have succumb to this disease, I wanted to share my journey.
I hope this news provides more validation that the science is evolving and based on what I read here, on OncLive, Nature, etc. there is a lot of passionate research focused on melanoma.
I was diagnosed in Jan '17 with small-ish mets to the right lung. I am being treated at The University of Chicago by Dr. Luke.
My wife and I went to 4 different docs to understand the treatment options. 3 out of 4 recommended the combination therapy (Ipi/Nivo) as I was in good condition to deal with toxicity combined with the response rate vs the next best option.
Dr. Luke provided an alternative choice of Keytruda based on the lower tumor burden, lower LDH counts and good health. I was nearly in the epacadastat trial (combined with Keytruda) but had difficulty getting a relavant sample to ID the tumor variant. So, in lieu of another lung biospy, we forged ahead with the Keytruda.
My journey consisted of 3 treatments ande was paused due to auto-immune side effects of joint inflammation and elevated liver enzymes.
I have been assigned to a rheumatologist and we are continuing to monitor the liver and inflammation which is being treated with steroids. I'm now able to walk more comfortably but still have stiffness from neck to big toes across all joints. The treatment is still paused and we'll reassess after the next scan in August.
A huge thanks to those active on this forum, those that have responded to my questions and those that have answered them before I've even thought to ask.
On of the best things I've read on here is "while I may have melanoma, it doesn't have me."
Love and fight on…Mike
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