Ilikestargate

I advanced to Stage 4 in May 2019 and was treated with Yervoy and Opdivo (two types of Immunotherapy). At the time, the general public didn’t know about Immunotherapy (maybe still doesn’t) but these new treatments are game changers for advanced Melanoma. I’ve been in complete remission since September 2019. Eat healthy, exersize as possible, and get complete explanations for treatment options from your Oncologist. Don’t panic. As Lucas said, this is just a bump in the road. It’s scary but very treatable.

Awesome news. Congrats! Your post struck me as I’ve had the same questions. Background…. I went stage 3 in Dec 2018 with a lymph node tumor and had surgery and monthly Opdivo infusions as adjuvant therapy Jan 2019 through May 2019. May 2019 PET scan showed 8 new tumors (obviously now stage 4) so stopped Opdivo and started Yervoy. Three Yervoy infusions and I developed auto-immune hepatitis so had to stop treatment however Aug 2019 PET showed complete resolution of all 8 tumors. We did a celebration dinner with friends and family as I figured we had bought at least a couple more years. I’m getting quarterly PET scans and latest was last week and I’m still NED. Doc says quarterly PET scans for at least a few years and I did ask him how people live between scans without worrying themselves to death. His response was basically glass half full vs. half empty – it’s all about attitude. Will yours come back? Will mine? Don’t know obviously and they certainly can but I’ve come to the conclusion that milestones don’t mean much beyond the initial NED and living with a sword of Damocles over your head doesn’t help. So celebrate today and tomorrow and the next day without worry. Follow Doc instructions of course but live life and be appreciative of today. Hope that helps a little