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An update on myself and IL-2…

Forums General Melanoma Community An update on myself and IL-2…

  • Post
    himynameiskevin
    Participant

      So I'm 5 weeks and 5 days out of IL-2. I got my CT scan on monday and discussed the results today. Sorry to say it, but unfortunately IL-2 wasn't my magic bullet (unless by miracle I'm some sort of late responder and it hasn't kicked in yet, which I've heard is possible… my fingers are crossed.. we'll see). Anyway, it turns out the tumors are still there, chest, back, lungs…

      So I'm 5 weeks and 5 days out of IL-2. I got my CT scan on monday and discussed the results today. Sorry to say it, but unfortunately IL-2 wasn't my magic bullet (unless by miracle I'm some sort of late responder and it hasn't kicked in yet, which I've heard is possible… my fingers are crossed.. we'll see). Anyway, it turns out the tumors are still there, chest, back, lungs… They did say my liver appears to be clear, but it most likely just seems that way because of the CT scan, I guess it sometimes doesn't pickup certain tumors and an Intravenous petscan would be needed to tell for sure. They think I may have had a minimal temporary response because of the softening I felt in the mass on my back. But not enough of a response to strongly encourage another round. So we've discussed more options. Like possibly trying the IL-2 again, maybe Ipilimumab. I'm BRAF+ so we discussed PLX4032. And lastly, possibly seeing if I'm eligible for Adoptive Cell Therapy. So that's it. I wish I could say I was a positive responder, but hey, If I'm not, then there's a better chance that someone else on here is. So that's good. One thing I'm focusing on is that despite the numerous nodules in my lungs, I still feel fine, no breathing/physical problems, I ride my bike everyday have a very active lifestyle. Just hope this indicates I still have some quality time to find something that works for me.. I do have a lingering Itchy-throat cough I seemed to get after the IL-2, but appears to be fading as time goes by. And that's about it for now. I'll update as soon as something new comes up. Thank you all for being so supportive. You know how much it means. With Love, -Kevin

    Viewing 17 reply threads
    • Replies
        EmilyandMike
        Participant
          Hi Kevin…so sorry that IL2 isn’t working right now. It seems like melanoma responds with combinations of drugs versus a mono therapy. We have a friend who has had a great response to biochemo here in San Fran done by dr minor. It is a tough treatment though…but her tumors are almost gone after 4 rounds. See her info on my blog at emandmichael.com. There are others who have done this treatment (Suzanne from ca) with great success. Whatever you choose know that we are here rooting for you. All my best to you Kevin
          Emily
          EmilyandMike
          Participant
            Hi Kevin…so sorry that IL2 isn’t working right now. It seems like melanoma responds with combinations of drugs versus a mono therapy. We have a friend who has had a great response to biochemo here in San Fran done by dr minor. It is a tough treatment though…but her tumors are almost gone after 4 rounds. See her info on my blog at emandmichael.com. There are others who have done this treatment (Suzanne from ca) with great success. Whatever you choose know that we are here rooting for you. All my best to you Kevin
            Emily
            Vermont_Donna
            Participant

              Hi Kevin,

                 Love your optimism and attitude. Hang in there! Glad you can still ride your bike and feel great. Yes something will come along and be the right treatment for you……

              In light and love,

              Vermont_Donna, stage 3a

              Vermont_Donna
              Participant

                Hi Kevin,

                   Love your optimism and attitude. Hang in there! Glad you can still ride your bike and feel great. Yes something will come along and be the right treatment for you……

                In light and love,

                Vermont_Donna, stage 3a

                Rocklove
                Participant

                  Your an inspiration to all of us Kevin.

                  We are all praying you will find that magic bullet.

                  Rocky (Stage IV Liver Mets)

                  Rocklove
                  Participant

                    Your an inspiration to all of us Kevin.

                    We are all praying you will find that magic bullet.

                    Rocky (Stage IV Liver Mets)

                    ValinMtl
                    Participant

                      Kevin, I'm so disappointed that IL-2 wasn't your magic bullet.  I'm praying that your team acts quickly and gets you into a new trial that will prove to be the winner. Your positive attitude is a great benefit and will get you through this.  There are so many new drugs coming around the corner so keep on fighting the beast.  Val xx

                      ValinMtl
                      Participant

                        Kevin, I'm so disappointed that IL-2 wasn't your magic bullet.  I'm praying that your team acts quickly and gets you into a new trial that will prove to be the winner. Your positive attitude is a great benefit and will get you through this.  There are so many new drugs coming around the corner so keep on fighting the beast.  Val xx

                        jag
                        Participant

                          Kevin, very sorry to hear this.  You do have a great attitude, though.  Sit tight, take your time to look at the options.  I would definitely put Ipilimumab high on the list of treatment options.  If your scans show no increase in metastases size>25%, and no increase in the number of metastases, this indicates that you are stable.  That would be a major factor to consider  if your doctor were considering another round of IL2. 

                          Either way, this is my ranking in order of  treatment options.

                          1. Ipilimumab, Biochemotherapy, BRAF, Oncovex vaccine(if you don't get the placebo group) and I haven't seen anybody on here who has survived with adoptive cell transfer (I haven't read up on the research either). but if you wan't to get the ball rolling to get the cells growing and try out other things in the meantime.  That would definitely make sense.

                          I'll keep praying for you

                          God Bless 

                          John 

                          jag
                          Participant

                            Kevin, very sorry to hear this.  You do have a great attitude, though.  Sit tight, take your time to look at the options.  I would definitely put Ipilimumab high on the list of treatment options.  If your scans show no increase in metastases size>25%, and no increase in the number of metastases, this indicates that you are stable.  That would be a major factor to consider  if your doctor were considering another round of IL2. 

                            Either way, this is my ranking in order of  treatment options.

                            1. Ipilimumab, Biochemotherapy, BRAF, Oncovex vaccine(if you don't get the placebo group) and I haven't seen anybody on here who has survived with adoptive cell transfer (I haven't read up on the research either). but if you wan't to get the ball rolling to get the cells growing and try out other things in the meantime.  That would definitely make sense.

                            I'll keep praying for you

                            God Bless 

                            John 

                            makedoandmend
                            Participant

                              I know its not great news but its a good thing that you are BRAF positive and have a lot of options.  Plus it doesn't hurt that you are very knowledgeable and have a great attitude.  I feel like I've learned a lot by reading your posts. Hoping the next option you choose does the trick. 

                              pat on li

                              makedoandmend
                              Participant

                                I know its not great news but its a good thing that you are BRAF positive and have a lot of options.  Plus it doesn't hurt that you are very knowledgeable and have a great attitude.  I feel like I've learned a lot by reading your posts. Hoping the next option you choose does the trick. 

                                pat on li

                                King
                                Participant

                                  You have an amazing attitude, Kevin!  Keep pedaling and we'll keep praying.

                                   

                                  Stay Strong
                                  King

                                  Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

                                    Laurie from maine
                                    Participant

                                      Hi Kevin,

                                      I have been wondering how you were doing, thank you for posting.  I am sorry that you had no response.  You are young and strong and have a wonderful strong attitude.  There are options out there and I am glad to see you are BRAF+.  Stay strong and know we are all behind you and praying for you.

                                      take care, laurie from maine

                                      Laurie from maine
                                      Participant

                                        Hi Kevin,

                                        I have been wondering how you were doing, thank you for posting.  I am sorry that you had no response.  You are young and strong and have a wonderful strong attitude.  There are options out there and I am glad to see you are BRAF+.  Stay strong and know we are all behind you and praying for you.

                                        take care, laurie from maine

                                      King
                                      Participant

                                        You have an amazing attitude, Kevin!  Keep pedaling and we'll keep praying.

                                         

                                        Stay Strong
                                        King

                                        Stage IV 7/05 Liver mets

                                        lhaley
                                        Participant

                                          Kevin,

                                          I'm sorry that IL2 wasn't your magic bullet but hopefully it will have tuned your body into the right path for your next options. I love your great attitude!!  Let us know what you decide to do.

                                          Linda

                                            killmel
                                            Participant

                                              Kevin,

                                               

                                              You are young, strong & have a great attitude so you can fight on with treatment options and succeed.

                                              Where are you beng treated- do you have a melanoma specialist??? I think that you mentioned UCSD.

                                              Can you get BRAF at UCSD???  What time frame do you have to chose a treatment ??

                                              Good Luck with your decision. Please keep us posted.

                                              killmel
                                              Participant

                                                Kevin,

                                                 

                                                You are young, strong & have a great attitude so you can fight on with treatment options and succeed.

                                                Where are you beng treated- do you have a melanoma specialist??? I think that you mentioned UCSD.

                                                Can you get BRAF at UCSD???  What time frame do you have to chose a treatment ??

                                                Good Luck with your decision. Please keep us posted.

                                              lhaley
                                              Participant

                                                Kevin,

                                                I'm sorry that IL2 wasn't your magic bullet but hopefully it will have tuned your body into the right path for your next options. I love your great attitude!!  Let us know what you decide to do.

                                                Linda

                                                JerryfromFauq
                                                Participant

                                                  Have you done the full three rounds of IL-2 (six weeks of receiving the IL-2 bags in the hospital?)  One round is seldem if ever a magic bullet to get rid of melanoma.

                                                  Just make sure you wear riding boots fr skittish horses!

                                                  http://cancerguide.org/rcc_il2hd.html.          CancerGuide: Classic High Dose Interleukin-2

                                                  http://www.carepages.com/carepages/JerryEllis

                                                  JerryfromFauq
                                                  Participant

                                                    Have you done the full three rounds of IL-2 (six weeks of receiving the IL-2 bags in the hospital?)  One round is seldem if ever a magic bullet to get rid of melanoma.

                                                    Just make sure you wear riding boots fr skittish horses!

                                                    http://cancerguide.org/rcc_il2hd.html.          CancerGuide: Classic High Dose Interleukin-2

                                                    http://www.carepages.com/carepages/JerryEllis

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