It’s so important to report side-effects

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › It’s so important to report side-effects

  • Post
    • June 10, 2011 at 9:43 pm
    NYKaren
    Participant

      Hi everyone,

      As I've mentioned, I'm on Yervoy, 2nd infusion scheduled for June 16th.  Starting last Friday, I started having diarrhea, but it was usually controlled with Imodium, and I thought it was too early for side effects.

      Hi everyone,

      As I've mentioned, I'm on Yervoy, 2nd infusion scheduled for June 16th.  Starting last Friday, I started having diarrhea, but it was usually controlled with Imodium, and I thought it was too early for side effects.

      On Wednesday, it was really bad, so I called Dr. Wolchuk.  He immediately put me on Entocort EC, a steroid that works in the gut.  Immediately after taking it, I felt better.  I called Dr. W. to report in today, and he said to stay on it and report back Monday.  I still have a small amount of discomfort in the abdominal area, but that's about it.  He also said that if I have to remain on the Entocort, I can still have my next infusion.  WHEW, I was really worried about that.

      Apparently, diarrhea is one side effect that can start early and one that they need to monitor closely.  (I guess they have to monitor them all closely.)

      Just thought I'd share my experience in case it helps someone else.

      Take care,

      Karen

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • June 10, 2011 at 9:45 pm
        NYKaren
        Participant

          oh yeah, forgot to share that I have to stay on a bland diet, and boy do i feel the difference when I don't.  So it's low-fat cottege cheese, yogurt and baked chicken for me!

          • June 10, 2011 at 9:45 pm
          NYKaren
          Participant

            oh yeah, forgot to share that I have to stay on a bland diet, and boy do i feel the difference when I don't.  So it's low-fat cottege cheese, yogurt and baked chicken for me!

            • June 10, 2011 at 9:58 pm
            Carol Taylor
            Participant

              Karen,

              They don't want you getting dehydrated. I hope you get good results from Yervoy and that your taste buds adapt to your diet. Maybe you can bake the chicken in the yogurt to spice things up a little. Bland is good if it works!

              All the best in this. Lord, in Your mercy, watch over Karen. Thank You. Amen.

              Grace and peace,

              Carol

              • June 10, 2011 at 9:58 pm
              Carol Taylor
              Participant

                Karen,

                They don't want you getting dehydrated. I hope you get good results from Yervoy and that your taste buds adapt to your diet. Maybe you can bake the chicken in the yogurt to spice things up a little. Bland is good if it works!

                All the best in this. Lord, in Your mercy, watch over Karen. Thank You. Amen.

                Grace and peace,

                Carol

                  • June 10, 2011 at 10:16 pm
                  NYKaren
                  Participant

                    Thank you for your prayer, Carol.

                    We keep  kosher (among other things, no mixing of meat and dairy–so now I'm bland and kosher) so I can't cook the chicken in the yogurt.

                    And you're absolutely right about dehydration, I have to drink tons, even on the medication.

                    have a good weekend,

                    karen

                    • June 10, 2011 at 10:16 pm
                    NYKaren
                    Participant

                      Thank you for your prayer, Carol.

                      We keep  kosher (among other things, no mixing of meat and dairy–so now I'm bland and kosher) so I can't cook the chicken in the yogurt.

                      And you're absolutely right about dehydration, I have to drink tons, even on the medication.

                      have a good weekend,

                      karen

                      • June 10, 2011 at 10:27 pm
                      Carol Taylor
                      Participant

                        Hmmm…that would be something of a no-no wouldn't it? You'd think the Foodnetwork would have a show about Seasonless Cooking with special episodes for special cooking needs beyond bland like keeping kosher. I hope you're a whiz in the kitchen, sounds like you've got your work cut out for you!

                        You have a great weekend too.

                        Grace and peace,

                        Carol

                        • June 10, 2011 at 10:27 pm
                        Carol Taylor
                        Participant

                          Hmmm…that would be something of a no-no wouldn't it? You'd think the Foodnetwork would have a show about Seasonless Cooking with special episodes for special cooking needs beyond bland like keeping kosher. I hope you're a whiz in the kitchen, sounds like you've got your work cut out for you!

                          You have a great weekend too.

                          Grace and peace,

                          Carol

                        • June 10, 2011 at 11:03 pm
                        lhaley
                        Participant

                          Karen,

                          Roast your own turkey. Buy a meat slicer and slice your own lunchmeat. You'll be able to control the seasonings and keep kosher. You can also do his with a roast. 

                          One of my friends from MPIP a few years ago was on Ippi when on a trial. She found she could eat scrambled eggs with no seasoning. Eggs,rice and turkey were the staples of her diet. 

                          Glad you can stay on the drug.

                          Linda

                          • June 10, 2011 at 11:03 pm
                          lhaley
                          Participant

                            Karen,

                            Roast your own turkey. Buy a meat slicer and slice your own lunchmeat. You'll be able to control the seasonings and keep kosher. You can also do his with a roast. 

                            One of my friends from MPIP a few years ago was on Ippi when on a trial. She found she could eat scrambled eggs with no seasoning. Eggs,rice and turkey were the staples of her diet. 

                            Glad you can stay on the drug.

                            Linda

                              • June 10, 2011 at 11:15 pm
                              NYKaren
                              Participant

                                Linda, that's a great idea about the slicer.  I will definately look into it.

                                Yes, scrambled eggs are my friend.

                                Thank you.

                                • June 10, 2011 at 11:15 pm
                                NYKaren
                                Participant

                                  Linda, that's a great idea about the slicer.  I will definately look into it.

                                  Yes, scrambled eggs are my friend.

                                  Thank you.

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