Failed Nivo…onto the combo?

I don't have the info you're looking for (I'm on a ipi/nivo trial right now, but no experience with just nivo), but I just wanted to say that I hate the term "I failed [treatment X]".  Treatment X failed you, and they've got to make it better.  I'm sure the scientists working on this would agree with me.  There's something out there that will work for you, even if this didn't.

By the way, I also don't understand why the surgeon wouldn't want to operate since the tumor is growing … ?!!?  Isn't that the time TO operate?  I'm sure there's a reason, but sounds strange to me. 

Love your picture, both of you.  I know I've read of people having success with the combo compared to just nivo, so someone is going to chime in.  Sending positive vibes.

Sorry you are dealing with this.  But the short answer to your question, "Can you respond to ipi/nivo after progression on nivo alone?" – is:  YES!!!

Here are links to lots of posts and articles on the subject:  https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/search?q=after+nivo  

I would also speak to my oncologist about the possibility of adding radiation.  It may not be possible depending on the location of your lung tumors, but it might. And we have learned that when radiation is COMBINED with immunotherapy, responses are greater than when either are administered alone….in the brain AND the body.  Here are tons of articles and posts (including the second one in the list, posted this month and addressing the body specifically): 

 https://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/search?q=radiation+and+immunotherapy  

Hang tough.  Hope this helps.  I wish you my best.  Celeste

Bubbles is right on trying radiatons. Back in 2011, I had to have a thoracotomy for a lung met on the left side. The one on the right was too small for surgery, so the doctor decided for me to have radiation on that one, since trying ipi without any response. When I did the scans, the met was gone. I'm not sure if it was the radiation alone or the combination with ipi that did it. But anyway, just ask the doctor if radiation is an alternative at this point. Wish you the best. Love your picture with the baby.

Rosa

Unfortunately my NED status lasted only about a year. Last November, I developed a met in the small intestine and had to have a small bowel resection. I ended up in the ER as the pain was excruciating. After the surgery I did the combo Nivo/Ipi and after the last dose, I developed a serious itchy rash throughout my body and face. I was on steroids for about 2 months. I'm now on maintenance Nivo. My follow-up scans will be this Monday and I hope and pray everything will be ok. The fight continues………I feel like living on a rollercoaster, it just sucks!

Hi Sis, sorry im late getting to your post, been feeling Icky the past few weeks…

wow, ok, your story is very simular to mine, the Ipi and Nivo was Bitter/Sweet with my tumors {all of them being in my lungs} are responding by NOT growing except for "One" tumor wich i call the 5.4cm Mel Monster lol, hes NOT responding to any treatment thus far since Nov of 2017 {Pembro, Ipi & now Nivo by itself. Whats curious for me is, why wont your surgeon do a surgery on the tumor {or tumors} that are defying treatment? Cons out weigh the Pros? to many to yank out?  im to have a surgery in Dec on that Mel Monster {if i can keep my head outta my ass} cuz its just gunna grow and grow and grow! i know if theres "to many" tumors spread out in different places within the lobes, its kinda not possible without leaving you with any lungs to breath with but, how many tumors are there? i havnt really did a count myself, i wanna say around 6 or 7 counting the 5.4cm..Gosh this sucks huh? its like come on! somethings gotta give here! i know for me being a wus & backing out my surgery last week wasnt good for me, but still! hahaha…

either way, let us know whats going on, i know our shared Boat has some Holes in the floor but, as long as we have buckets & stay faithfull, we will stay afloat…Right?…xoxox