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[Galaxy2674]

I have been diagnosed with pericardial effusion during treatment for metastatic melanoma I'm on a break from the imunotherapy at the moment,had CT scan and the tumours have dispersed but the scan has shown water on the heart I was a keen cyclist prior to the Melanoma and am keen to get my fitness back should I refrain from exercise.

During receiving immunotherapy treatment which made my joints stiff I was prescribed predisolone and I'm still on 10 mg but weaning of it could taking steroids help or should I continue weaning off.

I've had no treatment yet for the pericardial effusion but I am seeing my oncologist on 5th August

[Sunnie2day]

How did the meeting with the oncologist go, did he/she refer you to a cardiologist about the pericardial effusion?

My health concerns are all heart related, including recurrent pericarditis which currently includes some 'minimal' pericardial effusion - the cardiologist said the amount is too minimal to warrant going in after it (which suits me as a pericardiocentesis is not pleasant even with anaesthesia) but he's going to monitor it.

I'm not on any medications for the recurrent pericarditis or the effusion as I seem to be one of those rare pericardial patients who recovers without intervention (usually, there have been a few pericardiocentesis procedures along the way since 1999). When there is effusion I usually go back in about six weeks (barring worsening of symptoms) and the echo usually shows the effusion has cleared. Usually.

After clearing, it's usually around a month before I can do much more than general housekeeping (I'm retired) and gradual build-up to a few miles walking every morning and some home exercise with stationary bike and resistance bands. Not to make light but when I can dancercise along with Coleen Nolan DVDs without having to stop after three-five minutes, I'm a very happy lady

Please update on your progress with the melanoma and the pericardial effusion - I would have posted sooner but have only just now found your post.