And for those of you who got the skin rash…

Though I took nivo as a single agent, I developed a rash within the fist couple of doses. It lasted throughout the 2 1/2 years of my trial and recurred in waves – all gradually decreasing – for over a year afterwards. I began to develop vitiligo as well, to the point that it was significant by my third month of treatment. Understand that this was in the early months of 2011. Before even ipi was FDA approved. We have learned a great deal since then. While we know that vitiligo is a positive sign of a good prognosis, the development of a rash is too! You can see the research documenting this here: https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2020/07/skin-rashes-vitiligo-and-prognosis-when.html

The rash was less than fun, but I lived! HA! I fear I cannot give you any amazing way of dealing with it. Gentle lotions and some topical OTC hydrocortisone cream was the best treatment I found. Tepid baths with things like soothing colloidal oatmeal and even baking soda gave temporary comfort. Others may chime in with other solutions. Of course, if absolutely required side effects that cannot be tolerated can be treated with oral steroids and, at times, a drug holiday.

I wish you my best. celeste