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stevenallenschwartz
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stevenallenschwartz

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      • May 1, 2017 at 10:10 pm
      stevenallenschwartz
      Participant

        I was advised from my onc fresh from the melonoma conference in NYC last month that there is no standard protocol with regard to time. Many oncs say stop as soon as you reach NED and leave arrows in the quiver before experiencing maximum toxicity. Some oncs feel you should continue as long as you can tolerate the side effects. I am going for a second opinion as my onc suggested a total of 9 infuisions.

         

         

        • May 1, 2017 at 10:02 pm
        stevenallenschwartz
        Participant

          Hopefully you were unaware of the damage you were doing when you solicited tanning salons. That being said, guilt is a useless feeling; learn from the past and move on. 

          • April 29, 2017 at 7:26 pm
          stevenallenschwartz
          Participant

            I would try and get in a clinical trial. Without insurance I am not sure what you qualify for. At least with a clinical trial you have a chance of getting the real medication. 

            • April 22, 2017 at 9:36 pm
            stevenallenschwartz
            Participant

              For my self, I had no side effects until the 5th infusion and reacted to Keytruda with rashes on my forearms. I beleieve everyone has a different reation to the toxicity of the immunotherapy 

              • April 21, 2017 at 9:14 pm
              stevenallenschwartz
              Participant

                Welcome to the club. All of us have gone thru this progression. I suggest you consult with a melonoma specialist who can advise you after genetic testing what is the best course. There are many choices today and it depends on how your melonoma responde to what treatment.

                • April 21, 2017 at 2:01 am
                stevenallenschwartz
                Participant

                  What does your dermatoligist say?

                   

                  • April 2, 2017 at 10:15 pm
                  stevenallenschwartz
                  Participant

                    I would trust your onc. I was told that the treatement options are different & that is the significant deviation.

                    • March 30, 2017 at 9:16 pm
                    stevenallenschwartz
                    Participant

                      There are many new therapies that treat Stage 4 melonoma. The good news is you found it; now you can treat it!

                       

                      • March 29, 2017 at 11:43 am
                      stevenallenschwartz
                      Participant

                        I suggest you take Keytruda if you are lucky enough to get it. I have had minimal side effects with unresectable mel stage 4 and it looks like it is saving my life….

                         

                        • March 28, 2017 at 1:01 am
                        stevenallenschwartz
                        Participant

                          Please get yourself to a melonoma cancer center.

                           

                          • March 27, 2017 at 10:58 pm
                          stevenallenschwartz
                          Participant

                            I also thought that 8 Keytruda sessions was not current with the majority's opinion for the proper protocol. It was my understanding that most patients receive a minimum of 24 months. I will get a second opinion in order to insure I am not cutting myself short.

                             

                            • March 27, 2017 at 8:15 pm
                            stevenallenschwartz
                            Participant

                              Just got results; no evidence of disease. Boy do I feel lucky. Dr. says he want me to undergo 3 more Keytruda infusions than monitor me with pet scans for a prolonged period of time. Does this sound right? Thanks again for all your support and caring. 

                              • March 10, 2017 at 10:35 pm
                              stevenallenschwartz
                              Participant

                                Based on where most of us are with stage 3 & 4; you will be fine…. Do what your body tells you to do and be conservative with exercise. 

                                • February 24, 2017 at 11:31 pm
                                stevenallenschwartz
                                Participant

                                  I too am 4C. I am hoping that the Keytruda does it's job. I was told that my tumors are inoperable. Hoping for the best….

                                  • February 22, 2017 at 10:49 pm
                                  stevenallenschwartz
                                  Participant

                                    Thanks for the the positive spin… I need to remember that I am lucky they have protocols to deal with stage 4….

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