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Responding to Treatment

Forums General Melanoma Community Responding to Treatment

  • Post
    Jim in Denver
    Participant

      I just returned fro MD Anderson last night, and I have news to share.  My 12 week scans show no disease progression, and my numerous small lung tumors are shrinking.   I have one larger lung tumor, which showed some increase at 6 weeks, but has now reduced back to its baseline measurement before treatment started.  I asked Dr. Hwu if I am a responder, and she said yes. 

      I just returned fro MD Anderson last night, and I have news to share.  My 12 week scans show no disease progression, and my numerous small lung tumors are shrinking.   I have one larger lung tumor, which showed some increase at 6 weeks, but has now reduced back to its baseline measurement before treatment started.  I asked Dr. Hwu if I am a responder, and she said yes. 

      I had suspected that I might be responding after my 4th treatment because I developed significant rash and constant itch, and my one surface (leg) tumor showed a slight decrease in size and volume.   I had another Ipi infusion yesterday, and am doing the Temador for 4 days beginning last night.  Now I will go on "Maintainence", which means that I will go to MDA every 4 weeks instead of 3, and receive Ipi at 12 week intervals with Temador at 4 week intervals.  Scans will be done at 8 week intervals instead of 6 weeks. 

      For those who may not know, I have been in the Ipilimumab plus Temozolomide trial at MD Anderson since August.  This trial is only at MDA, and is one that is using a combination of oral chemotherapy with high dose Ipi to see if the combination will work better than either drug by itself.  It appears to be working for me.  I was diagnosed as Stage IV with lung mets on March 15th, 2010 – this was my initial diagnosis, and this is the only treatment I have ever received.  After testing negative for the v600e gene (BRAF) at the U of Colorado and being told that I was therefore not eligible for either the Roche or GSK trials, I decided to look for other options.  MDA had been highly recommended by a number of people on this board, so I decided to go to there to explore other treatment options.  My experince there has been nothing short of incredible.

      I cannot tell you how fortunate I feel to be sharing this information with you right now.  I do not feel like I am out of the woods yet, but I think I am on the right path.  I want so much to have others get treatmments that will help them, and the high level of interest in Ipi seems quite justified to me given my experience.  The combination treatment I have received looks very promising, and hopefully other combination Ipi treatments will be developed that will help many others with melanoma.  There are at least two others who post here who are also in this trial, and I am hoping so much that they will also show responses. 

      At the same time I am feeling elated about my own situation, I am very mindful of the many others in this community who are working to get treatments that will help them.  From my time on this board and with this community, I always sense the presence of those who have gone before, those who are on this journey right now, and those who will be forced to travel this path in the future.  I feel incredibly humbled with the knowledge that I share the company of many fallen warriors, along with the many fighting so bravely right now. 

      From the first time I posted here, I have been blessed to have received invaluable support and helpful information from so many of you – it has meant so much and continues to do so.  Words cannot express my gratitude to be able to know so many people from around the world who make this board such a special place for patients, spouses, family, and friends.  I will continue to post updates and to try to help others here in some small way, and offer information, hope, and encouragement.  We have a long way to go, but there are some rays of hope emerging from the dark clouds. 

      Best Wishes,

      Jim

       

       

    Viewing 37 reply threads
    • Replies
        ChristineL
        Participant

          Jim,

          Thanks for the wonderful and heartfelt post.  Congratulations!

          ChristineL

          ChristineL
          Participant

            Jim,

            Thanks for the wonderful and heartfelt post.  Congratulations!

            ChristineL

            ShariC
            Participant

              Hi Jim – Thanks for the update.  I'm in Nebraska, but being treated in Denver and have been following your posts.  Your response to the trial sounds great! 

              I'm working with Dr. Gonzalez at Univ. of Colorado hospital and he's starting me on the BioChemotherapy this Monday.  I've tried to get a sense from what they'd be doing at MD Anderson, but they won't talk with me directly unless I go there.  Right now, I'm Stage IIIb, but I've had local reoccurrence at the axillary site (the armpit lymph nodes).  Obviously, like everybody, I want to do what is absolutely best … but, its hard to figure that out.  What was your experience at UCCC?  I'm worried that Chemo now might hurt my chances of getting into a similar trial if this progresses. 

                Jim in Denver
                Participant

                  Hi Shari,

                  Have you received information and/or opinions from another Melanoma Specialist about treatment options?  Clinical trial availability varies considerably from hospital to hospital.  My understanding is that boichemo formulations also vary somewhat from hospital to hospital – the key ingedient for malanoma being Interluken 2 from what I can tell (along with DTIC and other chemo agents). 

                  Have you had any genetic testing done?  I am assuming you are aware of the targeted treatments (i.e. BRAF) available – not sure if you need to be Stage IV to be eligible for them.  I can speak knowledgably only to Stage IV patients, but I know that the usual treament or "standard of care" for Stage III is Interferon, though you should ask other Stage IIIers about their experiences.  You could ask Dr. G about this trial he has available at CU:

                  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01037127

                  Regarding how Biochemo may affect your trial eligibility, you should ask Dr. G pointed questions about that, in my opinion.  I do know that biochemo is a grueling treatment, not unlike Interferon or IL2.  Dr. G would not discuss treatment options elsewhere with me, even though I asked.   The trip to Houston might be worth it for you – it took me only three weeks to get in, and you could ask for the first Doc available.  MDA does not do phone consultations, and you cannot blame them.  You need to learn all you can, decide what is best, and take charge of the situation – that is what I did.

                  Chemo may or may not cause you to be excluded from a clinical trial.  Some trial actually require you to have failed a "standard of care" treament before being eligible.  I know it is not an easy answer to say "it depends", but that seems to be how it is.  Here is my trial information:

                  Here is more information on my trial:

                  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01119508

                  Hope that helps a little, and best wishes to you.

                  Regards,

                  Jim

                  Jim in Denver
                  Participant

                    Hi Shari,

                    Have you received information and/or opinions from another Melanoma Specialist about treatment options?  Clinical trial availability varies considerably from hospital to hospital.  My understanding is that boichemo formulations also vary somewhat from hospital to hospital – the key ingedient for malanoma being Interluken 2 from what I can tell (along with DTIC and other chemo agents). 

                    Have you had any genetic testing done?  I am assuming you are aware of the targeted treatments (i.e. BRAF) available – not sure if you need to be Stage IV to be eligible for them.  I can speak knowledgably only to Stage IV patients, but I know that the usual treament or "standard of care" for Stage III is Interferon, though you should ask other Stage IIIers about their experiences.  You could ask Dr. G about this trial he has available at CU:

                    http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01037127

                    Regarding how Biochemo may affect your trial eligibility, you should ask Dr. G pointed questions about that, in my opinion.  I do know that biochemo is a grueling treatment, not unlike Interferon or IL2.  Dr. G would not discuss treatment options elsewhere with me, even though I asked.   The trip to Houston might be worth it for you – it took me only three weeks to get in, and you could ask for the first Doc available.  MDA does not do phone consultations, and you cannot blame them.  You need to learn all you can, decide what is best, and take charge of the situation – that is what I did.

                    Chemo may or may not cause you to be excluded from a clinical trial.  Some trial actually require you to have failed a "standard of care" treament before being eligible.  I know it is not an easy answer to say "it depends", but that seems to be how it is.  Here is my trial information:

                    Here is more information on my trial:

                    http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01119508

                    Hope that helps a little, and best wishes to you.

                    Regards,

                    Jim

                  ShariC
                  Participant

                    Hi Jim – Thanks for the update.  I'm in Nebraska, but being treated in Denver and have been following your posts.  Your response to the trial sounds great! 

                    I'm working with Dr. Gonzalez at Univ. of Colorado hospital and he's starting me on the BioChemotherapy this Monday.  I've tried to get a sense from what they'd be doing at MD Anderson, but they won't talk with me directly unless I go there.  Right now, I'm Stage IIIb, but I've had local reoccurrence at the axillary site (the armpit lymph nodes).  Obviously, like everybody, I want to do what is absolutely best … but, its hard to figure that out.  What was your experience at UCCC?  I'm worried that Chemo now might hurt my chances of getting into a similar trial if this progresses. 

                    Jerry from Cape Cod
                    Participant

                      Hi Jim,

                      Thanks for sharing the news.  I fully understand the mixed feelings about posting the news.  I had my 90th week clinic visit yesterday (high dose ipi).  My nurse practitioner confirmed my believe that my rash was actually more active than it was at the last few clinics.  We get treated and scanned every 12 weeks with just a clinic visit and sometimes bloodwork at the 6 week interval.

                      Jerry from Cape Cod

                        Jim in Denver
                        Participant

                          Hi Jerry,

                          Thanks for the post.  Do you know how many who were enrolled at your site are still participating in your trial?  There were 82 in your trial at MDA.  When did your rash begin – how long have you had it?  Is it worse, the same, or better over time?  How about itching?  Have you had any other side effects besides the vitiligo?  You were on the first "Compassionate Use" trial that had the high dose (10 mg/kg), which is different that the current formulation (3mg/kg), just so other readers know.  The lower dose was shown in previous trials to be almost as effective, with fewer side effects.

                          Best Wishes,

                          Jim

                          Jerry from Cape Cod
                          Participant

                            There were only 62 enrollees system wide.  Due to privacy rules my docs won't disclose the number they are treating on this specific trial. 

                            Your mistaken about my trial also, I'm not in either of the Compassionate use trials.  I'm in the "brain trial" arm with no steroids.  Rash was first noticed in week 4 had it on and off since then. Was the most sever between week 10 to around 24.  I'm so used to it know I hardly pay attention to it.  Level of itch varies. manage with benedryl.

                            Side effects to date, not necessarily in order of appearance.

                            Rash, vitiligo, thyroid, testosterone, some mild GI effects, White (not gray) Hair occurred over a 10 day period. Fatigue and mild flu like symptoms after infusion.  I think I've covered them all, at least the significant ones.

                            Jerry from Cape Cod

                            Jerry from Cape Cod
                            Participant

                              There were only 62 enrollees system wide.  Due to privacy rules my docs won't disclose the number they are treating on this specific trial. 

                              Your mistaken about my trial also, I'm not in either of the Compassionate use trials.  I'm in the "brain trial" arm with no steroids.  Rash was first noticed in week 4 had it on and off since then. Was the most sever between week 10 to around 24.  I'm so used to it know I hardly pay attention to it.  Level of itch varies. manage with benedryl.

                              Side effects to date, not necessarily in order of appearance.

                              Rash, vitiligo, thyroid, testosterone, some mild GI effects, White (not gray) Hair occurred over a 10 day period. Fatigue and mild flu like symptoms after infusion.  I think I've covered them all, at least the significant ones.

                              Jerry from Cape Cod

                              Jim in Denver
                              Participant

                                Jerry,

                                Thanks for correcting my misinformation about in which trial you are participating.  Thanks for the info on what your side effects hae been. I remember the hair coloration change – the beard looks good on you too.

                                Best Wishes,

                                Jim

                                Jim in Denver
                                Participant

                                  Jerry,

                                  Thanks for correcting my misinformation about in which trial you are participating.  Thanks for the info on what your side effects hae been. I remember the hair coloration change – the beard looks good on you too.

                                  Best Wishes,

                                  Jim

                                  Jim in Denver
                                  Participant

                                    Hi Jerry,

                                    Thanks for the post.  Do you know how many who were enrolled at your site are still participating in your trial?  There were 82 in your trial at MDA.  When did your rash begin – how long have you had it?  Is it worse, the same, or better over time?  How about itching?  Have you had any other side effects besides the vitiligo?  You were on the first "Compassionate Use" trial that had the high dose (10 mg/kg), which is different that the current formulation (3mg/kg), just so other readers know.  The lower dose was shown in previous trials to be almost as effective, with fewer side effects.

                                    Best Wishes,

                                    Jim

                                  Jerry from Cape Cod
                                  Participant

                                    Hi Jim,

                                    Thanks for sharing the news.  I fully understand the mixed feelings about posting the news.  I had my 90th week clinic visit yesterday (high dose ipi).  My nurse practitioner confirmed my believe that my rash was actually more active than it was at the last few clinics.  We get treated and scanned every 12 weeks with just a clinic visit and sometimes bloodwork at the 6 week interval.

                                    Jerry from Cape Cod

                                    lhaley
                                    Participant

                                      Jim,

                                      I am so happy that the tumors are showing a response!  I so hope this continues for you.

                                      It is difficult to express how delighted you are when the board has had such bad news lately, however, that also gives hope that is needed so badly for others.  I personally truly needed your good news today!!

                                      Sending joyful hugs your way,

                                      Linda

                                        stillhopeful
                                        Participant

                                          Congratulations!  You should share your good news.  Of course, I wish everyone reading this can share good news someday soon.

                                          stillhopeful
                                          Participant

                                            Congratulations!  You should share your good news.  Of course, I wish everyone reading this can share good news someday soon.

                                          lhaley
                                          Participant

                                            Jim,

                                            I am so happy that the tumors are showing a response!  I so hope this continues for you.

                                            It is difficult to express how delighted you are when the board has had such bad news lately, however, that also gives hope that is needed so badly for others.  I personally truly needed your good news today!!

                                            Sending joyful hugs your way,

                                            Linda

                                            jag
                                            Participant

                                              Fantastic!  Very happy for you Jim!

                                              jag
                                              Participant

                                                Fantastic!  Very happy for you Jim!

                                                James from Sydney
                                                Participant

                                                  What great news Jim, i hope your success continues.

                                                  best wishes

                                                  James

                                                  James from Sydney
                                                  Participant

                                                    What great news Jim, i hope your success continues.

                                                    best wishes

                                                    James

                                                    bill58
                                                    Participant

                                                      Jim,

                                                      Congrats on the good news.  I am glad that Ipi worked for you.

                                                      I will probably be looking at compassionate use Ipi in a few weeks after my brain radiation.  i hope I have good like you you.

                                                      Keep up the positive postings.

                                                      Bill

                                                      bill58
                                                      Participant

                                                        Jim,

                                                        Congrats on the good news.  I am glad that Ipi worked for you.

                                                        I will probably be looking at compassionate use Ipi in a few weeks after my brain radiation.  i hope I have good like you you.

                                                        Keep up the positive postings.

                                                        Bill

                                                        Jackie W
                                                        Participant

                                                          What great news. I'm so happy for you.

                                                           

                                                          Jackie W

                                                          Jackie W
                                                          Participant

                                                            What great news. I'm so happy for you.

                                                             

                                                            Jackie W

                                                            jim Breitfeller
                                                            Participant

                                                              Jim, Contrats!!!!

                                                              You have shifted your immune system from tolarance to activation.

                                                               

                                                              jim Breitfeller
                                                              Participant

                                                                Jim, Contrats!!!!

                                                                You have shifted your immune system from tolarance to activation.

                                                                 

                                                                  jim Breitfeller
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    "My 12 week scans show no disease progression," small tumors shrinking

                                                                    ~Jim In Denver~

                                                                    12 weeks = 84 days  Close to where I predicted the Tumor shrinkage would begin if you are a responder.

                                                                    Now if you don't get a complete response, then go to HD IL-2. This may do the trick.

                                                                     

                                                                    Jim ….CONGRATS!!!!!!! I wish you well my friend. You are on the road to recovery.

                                                                    jim Breitfeller
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      "My 12 week scans show no disease progression," small tumors shrinking

                                                                      ~Jim In Denver~

                                                                      12 weeks = 84 days  Close to where I predicted the Tumor shrinkage would begin if you are a responder.

                                                                      Now if you don't get a complete response, then go to HD IL-2. This may do the trick.

                                                                       

                                                                      Jim ….CONGRATS!!!!!!! I wish you well my friend. You are on the road to recovery.

                                                                      jim Breitfeller
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        Jim,

                                                                        it is possible that the combination of Anti-CTLA-4 and Temozolomide helped shed the tumor-specific antigen, along with

                                                                        Anti-CTLA-4  surpressing the Treg Fucntion and causing the T helper Cells to differentiate into Th17 cells which secreted

                                                                        IL-17  and Chemoattractants to recruit and activate T-cells,DCs, Neutrophils, Macrophage and others to the tumor bed.

                                                                        The begining of an Immune response.

                                                                        jim Breitfeller
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Jim,

                                                                          it is possible that the combination of Anti-CTLA-4 and Temozolomide helped shed the tumor-specific antigen, along with

                                                                          Anti-CTLA-4  surpressing the Treg Fucntion and causing the T helper Cells to differentiate into Th17 cells which secreted

                                                                          IL-17  and Chemoattractants to recruit and activate T-cells,DCs, Neutrophils, Macrophage and others to the tumor bed.

                                                                          The begining of an Immune response.

                                                                        ValinMtl
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Jim, I am just so ecstatic to hear this wonderful news. I love these rays of hope, I am currently on compassionate ipi in Montreal and just had my 3rd treatment..I am praying that I too will be able to deliver a good report after my 4th treatment and scans.  Your sentiments have deeply touched me.  Val xx

                                                                          ValinMtl
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            Jim, I am just so ecstatic to hear this wonderful news. I love these rays of hope, I am currently on compassionate ipi in Montreal and just had my 3rd treatment..I am praying that I too will be able to deliver a good report after my 4th treatment and scans.  Your sentiments have deeply touched me.  Val xx

                                                                            Jim in Denver
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              Thank you all for taking the time to post, and your thoughts and prayers too 🙂

                                                                              Jim in Denver
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                Thank you all for taking the time to post, and your thoughts and prayers too 🙂

                                                                                Sharyn
                                                                                Participant

                                                                                  Hi Jim,

                                                                                  What wonderful news! I am on ipi too (compassionate use, 3mg/kg), the same one as Val in Mtl. She's 12 days ahead of me. I'll have round 3 next Thursday. I haven't had any side effects yet, and scans will be in early December. I certainly hope to be able to post the same news as you. Congratulations!

                                                                                  Hugs

                                                                                  Sharyn, Stage IV

                                                                                    Jim in Denver
                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                      Hi Sharyn,

                                                                                      You and Val are very much in my thoughts and prayers, so I am really glad to hear from both of you.  It can take some time for Ipi to beging to work, and it seems to go slowly – at least it did for me.  I appreciate all your updates, and feel like I have come to know you (and Val too).   Best wishes to my two wonderful Canadian friends and thank you for yours.

                                                                                      Regards,

                                                                                      Jim

                                                                                      Jim in Denver
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        Hi Sharyn,

                                                                                        You and Val are very much in my thoughts and prayers, so I am really glad to hear from both of you.  It can take some time for Ipi to beging to work, and it seems to go slowly – at least it did for me.  I appreciate all your updates, and feel like I have come to know you (and Val too).   Best wishes to my two wonderful Canadian friends and thank you for yours.

                                                                                        Regards,

                                                                                        Jim

                                                                                      Sharyn
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        Hi Jim,

                                                                                        What wonderful news! I am on ipi too (compassionate use, 3mg/kg), the same one as Val in Mtl. She's 12 days ahead of me. I'll have round 3 next Thursday. I haven't had any side effects yet, and scans will be in early December. I certainly hope to be able to post the same news as you. Congratulations!

                                                                                        Hugs

                                                                                        Sharyn, Stage IV

                                                                                        dian in spokane
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          Jim! great news!!

                                                                                          I've been offline for a couple of days, but I just mentioned your name a couple of days ago along with a couple of others when we were on Camano. I hadn't seen anything from you in a while.

                                                                                          I'm thrilled to hear this news! good on ya!

                                                                                           

                                                                                          dian

                                                                                          dian in spokane
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            Jim! great news!!

                                                                                            I've been offline for a couple of days, but I just mentioned your name a couple of days ago along with a couple of others when we were on Camano. I hadn't seen anything from you in a while.

                                                                                            I'm thrilled to hear this news! good on ya!

                                                                                             

                                                                                            dian

                                                                                            Jim M.
                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                              That is such awesome news Jim!! Hope is out there and you've provided a wonderful example of that. You are also a blessing to many others.

                                                                                              God Bless,

                                                                                               Jim M.

                                                                                              Jim M.
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                That is such awesome news Jim!! Hope is out there and you've provided a wonderful example of that. You are also a blessing to many others.

                                                                                                God Bless,

                                                                                                 Jim M.

                                                                                                JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  Jim, very glad to hear your news.  Dr Wen Jen Hwu is good.  I have enjoyed meeting and talking with her.  I also greatly enjoyed your visit to my hospital room in Colorado Springs.

                                                                                                  JerryfromFauq
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    Jim, very glad to hear your news.  Dr Wen Jen Hwu is good.  I have enjoyed meeting and talking with her.  I also greatly enjoyed your visit to my hospital room in Colorado Springs.

                                                                                                    Lori CO
                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                      Hi Jim,

                                                                                                      That's awesome … keep the momentum going!!

                                                                                                      Lori CO

                                                                                                      Stage IV

                                                                                                      Grand Junction, CO

                                                                                                      Lori CO
                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                        Hi Jim,

                                                                                                        That's awesome … keep the momentum going!!

                                                                                                        Lori CO

                                                                                                        Stage IV

                                                                                                        Grand Junction, CO

                                                                                                        Congratulations on your reports, what exciting news!  Yahoo!

                                                                                                         Jim your post is so heartfelt and so well expressed.  I feel the same way about the board but never have the words to express it.  Thank you.

                                                                                                        With prayers and blessings,

                                                                                                        Shelly in Switzerland

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                        Congratulations on your reports, what exciting news!  Yahoo!

                                                                                                         Jim your post is so heartfelt and so well expressed.  I feel the same way about the board but never have the words to express it.  Thank you.

                                                                                                        With prayers and blessings,

                                                                                                        Shelly in Switzerland

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                        Amy Busby
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          I am so happy to hear you're responding!  I had hoped to do that trial but couldn't get in.  I am doing ipi compassionate use.  So far I've only had one dose, so maybe it will kick in for me. 

                                                                                                          Hang in there and I wish you well with the maintenace plan!

                                                                                                          Love,

                                                                                                          Amy

                                                                                                          Amy Busby
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            I am so happy to hear you're responding!  I had hoped to do that trial but couldn't get in.  I am doing ipi compassionate use.  So far I've only had one dose, so maybe it will kick in for me. 

                                                                                                            Hang in there and I wish you well with the maintenace plan!

                                                                                                            Love,

                                                                                                            Amy

                                                                                                            JuleFL
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              Great news!  Wishing you continued response.

                                                                                                              Jule

                                                                                                              JuleFL
                                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                                Great news!  Wishing you continued response.

                                                                                                                Jule

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