How do I cope with waiting to start melanoma immunotherapy after stage 3b diagno...

The waiting period before starting treatment can feel incredibly difficult, especially when dealing with worries about what might be happening in the body during that time. These feelings of uncertainty and anxiety are completely normal for someone in this situation, and many others in this community have experienced similar emotions while waiting for their next steps in treatment. Connecting with others who have been through similar experiences with stage 3b melanoma and immunotherapy might help provide some comfort and practical insights during this challenging waiting period. The community here has many members who understand what this journey feels like and can offer valuable perspectives.

All understandable, I had the same situation. Started off with a mole that came back positive, surgery then a year later found a lump in my right breast area. It metastasized which lead to another surgery and 23 lymph nodes removed. It’s scary and changes your life. Don’t look up things, it only makes it worse. I have been doing immunotherapy for over a year now with good results but we have to keep positive and believing. This app has been a great positive to reach out to people experiencing the same thing. I wish you luck with your treatment and will be thinking and praying for you

Thank you William. Just got the call I start my first treatment tomorrow. Have you had many side effects from it?

Early on the only side effect I had was itchy skin but my dermatologist gave me some cream which helped. After a while it did seem to subside but I have been on Opdivo for over a year now. What do they have you on, if you don’t mind me asking? I was getting it by IV but after a year plus my veins have built up scar tissue so I just started the Opdivo subcutaneous shot which is so much easier and faster, no longer have to sit there while the IV drips through. Anyway, the itchy skin was the only side effect I had, a little fatigue but not too bad. I am also 58, I hope your treatment goes well and if you have any other questions please reach out. It’s nice to have a community like this where people understand what we are going through.

I was told Opdivo I will find out exactly tomorrow. Interesting how you said your veins built up scar tissue. I wonder why they don’t just do it that way. Thank you for your kind words, it is very nice having a community like this; I don’t feel so alone. Wishing you well

Hope your treatment went well. Please reach out with any other questions. Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving.

It went real well… so far no side effects. I hope it stays that ways. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

How are you feeling? Any side effects popping up? Hope you are feeling good and stay positive!!

I understand completely what you are going through. I was diagnosed with a 4B melanoma and after two years of immunotherapy, I am now in complete remission and have been for about a year. I had no side effects other than some fatigue and chemo brain where my memory wasn’t as wonderful as it should be but what a small price to pay to have life extended. I get PET scans regularly every four months and so far so good. Just hang in there and try to stay as positive as possible. Immunotherapy is a wonder drug.