Opdivo and Yervoy side effect

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.

Opdivo and Yervoy side effect

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 5 months ago by MelMel.

Post

- May 29, 2019 at 3:15 pm
- Quote
LyndaT
Participant
My friend has Stage IIIB high risk acral melanoma. She was diagnosed about 1 1/2 years ago. She started on just the Opdivo but the melanoma continued to spread so her doc gave her the combo treatment which seems to have put the cancer in check, as all spots have shrunk dramatically or are gone completely. She did 3 combo treatments with the last one being on April 11, 2019. First 2 treatments went well with minimal side effects. The 3rd treatment did not go as well. She has been throwing up every day for weeks and is down over 25 pounds. She is weak and tired as well. She has been given steroids and several different anti nausea medicines, none of which seem to be working. She has seen the dr every 2 weeks and has been in urgent care and in the hospital a few times. I was just wondering if anyone has any advice that I can give her to ease her suffering? Also, is there a time frame of how long these horrific side effects last? I guess the good news is that the treatment appears to have worked to kill the cancer, but the bad news is that the treatment is destroying her GI system. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Viewing 1 reply thread

Replies

- - June 1, 2019 at 10:24 pm
  - Quote
  Sharon93065
  Participant
  The combo ‘cocktail’ definitely made my tumors go away. Only had 3 of the 4. Developed Hepatitus D and was put on Prednisone for 4 months then was able to go on Opdivo only for maintenance. 1 1/2 yrs now.
  I was bless not to have the GI track problem, but it’s common. I talked to a daughter of a patient who received all 4 and was in the hospital receiving steroids. Hopefully the steroids will help. I’ve read it is very common. Wish I could give better advise other than hope now that the tumors are gone.
  Sharon
- - June 2, 2019 at 6:15 pm
  - Quote
  MelMel
  Participant
  I am sorry your friend is going through this. I had liver issues which were treated with steroids but luckily no nausea. I remember when I had my port surgically placed, the attending nurse told me that apparently patients told him that if regular anti nausea medications don’t work to use CBD oil. I was in shock but the nurse assured me that it was o.k. and that patients would need to ask for it. Dr’s are reluctant to prescribe it however if the nausea is so severe and has been going on for weeks I would ask.
  Good luck and hope your friend’s symptoms resolve quickly although steroids have a world of side effects all of their own.
  Melanie

Viewing 1 reply thread

Tagged: acral, cutaneous melanoma

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

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.