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Stage 4 melanoma, metastasized to lungs, liver and bones

Katejew
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A family member has stage 4 melanoma. He started on IV immunotherapy but had to stop immediately as his temperature spiked. He was in hospital for two weeks whilst he fought an infection. Since his discharge, he was taking oral immunotherapy drugs and seemed to be doing well. However, the past two weeks he has had sickness and been in pain. His recent PET scan showed mixed results, some tumours were healing but new ones forming in his bowel and intestines. He saw his oncogist who admitted him immediately.

He has had an anti sickness jab which has helped as he's not been sick but his pain is awful. He is due to have either a CT or MRI scan on his head but can't at present as his pain is so bad. Once the hospital gets on top of the pain and sickness, they're hopeful of restarting IV immunotherapy. I don't really understand what is going on. As I can't visit him and ask questions, I need some clarification and reassurance please. 

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    Hi Katejew,

    I'm sorry to hear about your relative and I can understand how bewildering and worrying this all is.

    Unfortunately immunotherapy can cause side effects in patients - some have mild whilst some can be serious. It sounds like your relative seemed to tolerate the treatment once the infection was treated but his recent symptoms may either be the side effects of the treatment or a progression of the melanoma. Only further tests, as planned, will show what is causing his symptoms & then they can decide what the next steps are. If it shows he can't tolerate the immuno they may see if there is another type of treatment they can try (there are different types & options of delivery of immuno and there is targeted treatment but that is only useful if your relative has the BRAF positive gene). 

    Without speaking to your relative's consultant you won't know the full picture. I'm assuming another close relative is with them & able to ask questions? 

    I will send you a friend request. If you choose to accept it we can chat by private message. Meanwhile, I hope they stabilise your relative's condition & are able to restart the immunotherapy. Many patients have these setbacks & then start treatment again & it has good results - I hope this is so with your relative.

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

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