MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Feeling very low
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Feeling very low

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Feeling very low

  • Post
    • February 6, 2019 at 8:02 pm
    Happygal
    Participant

      Hello, I have written on here a few times, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma on Dec 17, 2018, after 1 year of Opdivo and NED, then bam, here I am again, multiple lesions on liver and lungs and the few lymph nodes they left after the original surgeries.  Started the Opdivo/Yervoy treatment on 1/22 and go back for my 2nd treatment on 2/11.  I have been so very tired, no energy, severe back aches, severe headaches and just feeling down.  My husband is very supportive, we are eating clean, trying to do everything to combat what we can on our side.  I made an appointment with a counselor that will be next week, but all in all just want to feel normal, like I can do a day without hurting ar being exhausted.  Is this normal? I also speak with my Dr tomorrow, but dammmm. Does this get better?

    Viewing 4 reply threads
    • Replies
        • February 6, 2019 at 10:08 pm
        Johnjk04
        Participant

          Good day Notsohappygal. Do this get better? Ooooohhhh yeah. I became stage IV back in 2012. Melanoma in the brain, both lungs, gall bladder, kidney, liver and left adrenal gland. Some brain surgery, Gamma Knife radiation and the Opdivo / Yervoy treatments and now all is well. Yes there were times that I got down, had trouble walking, eating, sleeping and didn't feel that I had much life left. Now I am 6.5 years NED. Do not give up, immunotherapy can take down that melanoma biotch. Never loose the hope.

            • February 6, 2019 at 10:12 pm
            Johnjk04
            Participant

              Side note – I'm sure your onc will check your glands, if not functioning properly, it will kick your butt. Immunotherapy is known for disrupting your glands

              • February 7, 2019 at 8:05 pm
              Happygal
              Participant

                Congratulations on NED for 6.5 years!! This is so wonderful and very helpful to see that with so much going in that it went away!!!

              • February 7, 2019 at 12:05 am
              Coragirl
              Participant

                Hello, I am not the patient my husband is. He became stage 4 in May 2018. It was devastating news and we were both scared and down in the dumps. He started treatment with Opdivo that same month and things are improving. I know the combo is much harder on your body and I am so sorry you are feeling rotten. There are many people here on this board who are doing really well after stage 4 diagnosis. I believe that with all of the options now available to melanoma patients  this nasty disease can be beat. Be kind to yourself and allow your friends and fami!y to care for you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

                  • February 7, 2019 at 8:28 pm
                  Happygal
                  Participant

                    Thank you Amie,

                    I think for myself as a woman that is one of the hardest things, letting others do for me, but I am learning and appreciate yuor kind words.

                  • February 7, 2019 at 12:39 am
                  GeoTony
                  Participant

                    Hi Happygal

                    I found the ipi/nivo brutal, first round very tired, second round totally knocked me out, couldn't make it out of the apartment, let alone round the block, ached everywhere, totally exhausted, lost 5kg, ended up with a couple of stage 2 reactions, lungs and skin, onto prednisone. Then missed round 3, round 4 was similar to round 1, really exhausting.

                    Then it got better, today I rec'd my 49th dose of Nivo alone, everything is stable, haven't had a recation, back working, all is good. Bone tumours gone, everthing shrank, then stablized.

                    Hang in there it gets better

                      • February 7, 2019 at 8:25 pm
                      Happygal
                      Participant

                        Hi Tony, wow, thank you, it does seem like it hits hard, but if my outcome is anywhere close to yours, It will all be worth it. Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful response

                      • February 7, 2019 at 2:29 pm
                      jbronicki
                      Participant

                        Hey Happygal,

                        So sorry you are feeling bad.  I'm not the patient, nor did my husband get treatment beyond surgery, but I can imagine that during treatment for Melanoma, there are all kinds of "normal" that probably suck.  I can't add to those that replied and been through treatment, just wanted to let you know we are here for you in solidarity.  I'm sure it is exhausting mentally on top of the side effects of treatment.  Just let your body fight and you rest as needed and so glad you will get to see a counselor, that should help the mental part.  Hoping that day when you wake up, jump out of bed and don't give this a second thought is soon to come.    Many hugs

                          • February 7, 2019 at 8:26 pm
                          Happygal
                          Participant

                            thank you, any good positiveness is always helpful and appreciated!

                          • February 7, 2019 at 3:38 pm
                          Mat
                          Participant

                            I echo John’s response, particularly around your headaches.  Might be a pituitary/adrenal/cortisol issue requiring treatment with steroids. 

                              • February 7, 2019 at 8:03 pm
                              Happygal
                              Participant

                                thank you, I did speak to the Dr today, he is checking out a few things and doing some more blood work

                                 

                          Viewing 4 reply threads
                          • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                          About the MRF Patient Forum

                          The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                          The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                          Popular Topics