Hi, I have been taking the targeted therapy drugs Tafinlar and Mekonist for 3+ months now and had to stop twice so far to let my body recover from the side effects of nausea, chills, fever aches, headaches, etc. After a few days I start the regiment again of 2 pills in the am and 3 at night. Appears 6 weeks of treatment and body needs a break.
Does anyone have experience with these drugs and can recommend a way to combat the side effects. A few of my friends have recommended trying marijuana to address the side effects. I live in Florida and they do allow medical marijuana use. Anyone have experience with the use of cannabis to combat the side effects.
Background: July 2015 found strange spot on back. Had it checked 2 weeks later, turned out to melanoma. Surgery week later in NH and Mass., had already metastasized to lymph nodes left side. Very small amounts cells found in lymph nodes. Diagnosed as stage 3A.
Just prior to melanoma find had purchased a home in Florida and sold home in New Hampshire. Timing not the best.
July 2019 local Florida oncologist told me I was good to go; no further PTSCANs needed. Last one was in December 2018.
I insisted on another PTSCAN. Doc scheduled it for December 2019. Week before Christmas Doc advised possible metastasized melanoma in the small bowel. Holidays were stressful. Jan 2nd started further testing. Ultrasound, endoscopy, camera endoscopy, MRI. Results inconclusive. Doc then said was probably not melanoma but maybe an infection.
In the meantime I had contacted Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa FL. again for followup and new primary care. Petscan in March revealed area had grown and was most likely melanoma. Surgery first week of April 2020 small bowel resection. Removed around a foot of intestines. Positive for melanoma.
Graduated to stage IVC.
That is the reason for the targeted chemo/immune targeted therapy drugs. Melanoma is BRAF V600E strain which should respond well to the treatment.
Fingers crossed X……………………
TC
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