Immunotherapy

Disappointing day.Was suppose to start infusion Keytruda as Brav-Mek combo has had no effect.However Alt-AST readings were too high and doc said there would be too much toxcity esp since I have Ulcerative colitis and temporal arteritis.Very disconcerting knowing that there has not really been any effective treatment since diagnosis and have to wait at least another week.Im sure disease process is progressing as symptoms are becoming more frequent and severe.Have Melanoma mets to liver and L-4.

[missyrand Ambassador]

What a difficult day you had.

My husband also has liver Mets, and high Alt-Ast has also prevented him from a clinical trial.

One question you could explore is if any of the tumors are large and might respond to gamma knife or radiation for reduction of liver tumor or other externally presenting tumor burden that then may allow you to try Keytruda?

In our case this is not possible as the tumor presentation in his liver are lots of small ones, so radiation is not an option.

I’m sorry you are at this critical juncture. We have been asking very direct questions as to what is possible, with what likelihood of success and what kind of success (shrinkage vs slowing down the cancer cs cure), and what steps may be palliative rather than treatment oriented.

You are in my thoughts.

Missy

[kellyOd]

Did they give you any corticosteroids? Like prednisone? Usually that helps get your liver levels back to normal. Alt and ast are definitely a big thing when over loading the liver with these drugs. It will come down. Ryan’s is slightly higher than normal as well. He’s at 51 right now, but he’s been as high as 185. It’s a hit but not a complete set back. Have you seen or have access to a palliative care doctor?