Hi Cranky,

I'm sorry you are having to make this quick decision, especially having auto immune problems.

I've sent you a friend request so we can chat about it by private message but meanwhile, take a look at the Melanoma Focus website. It's a charity dedicated to research & patient support & it has a dedicated nurses helpline that is manned Monday to Friday. Give them a ring tomorrow & although they can't advise one way or the other, they can discuss immunotherapy & it's likely side effects for someone in your position & it may help you to make a more informed choice.

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

HI Cranky

What a position to find yourself in. If you still have melanoma cancer cells present doing nothing is not an option. Take a chance on the immunotherapy you may tolerate it quite well and if not you can always discontinue it. You will be closely monitored with frequent blood tests, scans and have a 24hr phone number to contact if needed. I had the same concerns and worries a year ago before starting immunotherapy with cemiplimab. It has given me better health and possibly longer life. The side effects I get are fatigue and an itchy rash. Everyone is different. On discussing immunotherapy with my oncologist prior to starting treatment they told me that two patients on pembrolizumab had not returned to hospital after their 2 year course.. Go for it you have nothing to lose.

Ed

Thanks for replying Ed

My worry is having the autoimmune problems with my health already. Polymyalgia, giant cell arteritis (inflammation of arteries in head) and rheumatoid arthritis.  The therapy drugs can possibly cause bad inflammation in internal organs which can be dangerous. Otherwise I would probably have agreed straight away. 

Thanks  Angie. I have accepted your friend request