I’m a little over 3 mos on Zel, it’s working, and finally I am feeling like I’m past the worst of the side effects. I was diag in Jan with a cardiac tumor, and June scans show it is shrinking. Hopefully nothing else will crop up – next scans in 3 wks.
Today I asked my doc about stopping Zel and switching to Yervoy. My thinking is that my tumor burden is low, and maybe Yervoy will work better now rather than later. I would have Zel in my back pocket if needed, assuming it doesnt fail me before then. I am not a good trial or IL2 candidate bc of my cardiac involvement, so my future options are pretty limited. My Mel has been a slow growing kind so far.
I’d appreciate any ideas or thoughts you might have – my doc is mulling it over. Just trying to make the most of my options. Where is a crystal ball when you really need one?
Something for you to think about… Do some homework about the long time survivor results between the two and you will see that Yervoy is the winner. Best wishes, Gene
Yes I know that there are more long term responders to Yervoy, however except for spme rare exceptions the BRAF inhibitors fail after an average of 7 mos, that is why I don’t want to miss any chance I have to still permanently kick this evil disease.
Yes I know that there are more long term responders to Yervoy, however except for spme rare exceptions the BRAF inhibitors fail after an average of 7 mos, that is why I don’t want to miss any chance I have to still permanently kick this evil disease.
Yes I know that there are more long term responders to Yervoy, however except for spme rare exceptions the BRAF inhibitors fail after an average of 7 mos, that is why I don’t want to miss any chance I have to still permanently kick this evil disease.
Something for you to think about… Do some homework about the long time survivor results between the two and you will see that Yervoy is the winner. Best wishes, Gene
Something for you to think about… Do some homework about the long time survivor results between the two and you will see that Yervoy is the winner. Best wishes, Gene
Just thought I'd let you know my plans. I started Zelboraf end of May. My tumor burden is pretty low (small spot in my small intestine and a few swollen lymph nodes around). My scans after 8 weeks showed shrinkage. I just saw my oncologist yesterday for a check up and our plan is to scan me again first week of Sept. If we still see shrinkage and good results we want to switch over to Yervoy. And hopefully get the 4 doses in. There is always an option to go back to Z. My doctor did mention this when I was in last time and when we decided to orignally start on Z.
Just thought I'd let you know my plans. I started Zelboraf end of May. My tumor burden is pretty low (small spot in my small intestine and a few swollen lymph nodes around). My scans after 8 weeks showed shrinkage. I just saw my oncologist yesterday for a check up and our plan is to scan me again first week of Sept. If we still see shrinkage and good results we want to switch over to Yervoy. And hopefully get the 4 doses in. There is always an option to go back to Z. My doctor did mention this when I was in last time and when we decided to orignally start on Z.
Do you know if he has tried this before and with what results? Mine has not, is warming up to the idea I hope. He’s concerned about me and the IPI rash. I had grade 4 rash on Zel in the first wk on full dose, had to be hospitalized overnight for IV steroids, and am stuck with very minor rash but doesn’t itch on 75% dose. I’m on 5 mg prednisone – onc & derm are afraid rash will worsen otherwise. Also he mentioned I would have to have a short break from Zel before IPI, not sure how long that would be, not sure he knows, but we would try for all 4 doses as well. I had to start w Zel because of the location of my tumor, it was starting to block blood flow through my heart.
Do you know if he has tried this before and with what results? Mine has not, is warming up to the idea I hope. He’s concerned about me and the IPI rash. I had grade 4 rash on Zel in the first wk on full dose, had to be hospitalized overnight for IV steroids, and am stuck with very minor rash but doesn’t itch on 75% dose. I’m on 5 mg prednisone – onc & derm are afraid rash will worsen otherwise. Also he mentioned I would have to have a short break from Zel before IPI, not sure how long that would be, not sure he knows, but we would try for all 4 doses as well. I had to start w Zel because of the location of my tumor, it was starting to block blood flow through my heart.
Do you know if he has tried this before and with what results? Mine has not, is warming up to the idea I hope. He’s concerned about me and the IPI rash. I had grade 4 rash on Zel in the first wk on full dose, had to be hospitalized overnight for IV steroids, and am stuck with very minor rash but doesn’t itch on 75% dose. I’m on 5 mg prednisone – onc & derm are afraid rash will worsen otherwise. Also he mentioned I would have to have a short break from Zel before IPI, not sure how long that would be, not sure he knows, but we would try for all 4 doses as well. I had to start w Zel because of the location of my tumor, it was starting to block blood flow through my heart.
Just thought I'd let you know my plans. I started Zelboraf end of May. My tumor burden is pretty low (small spot in my small intestine and a few swollen lymph nodes around). My scans after 8 weeks showed shrinkage. I just saw my oncologist yesterday for a check up and our plan is to scan me again first week of Sept. If we still see shrinkage and good results we want to switch over to Yervoy. And hopefully get the 4 doses in. There is always an option to go back to Z. My doctor did mention this when I was in last time and when we decided to orignally start on Z.
Thoughts and prayers to you!
Erin
Viewing 5 reply threads
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
About the MRF Patient Forum
The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.
The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.
.
.
