Keytruda #4

[kellyOd]

Hi everyone! Infusion number 4 happened today around 2:00PM, and went without a hitch. Blood work was good, his body is producing red blood cells naturally again; so they were slightly higher which is good! Everything else was in line. Liver function is perfect. His port cooperated this time. PET scan got scheduled. It’s going to be March 5th. I will be bugging for the results 24 hours later 🥴 even though it is scaring me, I know god has a plan. All we know is that he is feeling MUCH better. So we shall see. Diet changes will be happening this week. He has taken advantage and has eaten Prime Rib (16oz per serving) twice this week 😂 plus sour skittles and raspberry coke.

I do have a question for caregivers who have significant others that have been through immunotherapy.. I do skin checks on Ryan more than I’d like to admit lol.. but mostly for lymph nodes. To see if there’s any swelling anywhere etc. he has a few lymph nodes that have made their way to the surface. Considering the craziness that is going on in his body, should I put a lot of thought into them? I can feel 4.. no larger than the tip of my finger. Perhaps reaction to the therapy? Any experience or thoughts or knowledge?

[strawberryjam]

Hi Kelly

So very happy that Ryan is feeling better and you are too. My son, who is Ryan's age I think, has found very tiny enlarged lymph nodes at least six separate times. Each time the doctor examined them carefully, either with ultrasound and/ or a biopsy. Some have been reactive nodes(no melanoma cells) caused by infection or surgery. A couple were positive for melanoma but we're caught really early . So I would bring them to the attention of the medical team. Just so you know, even the reactive ( non melanoma ) nodes can light up on the PET scan so don't panic if they do. We have had nodes that biopsy negative and still light up even a year later. Luckily they warned us that this could happen The docs just monitor the size of those . It is so good that you are so vigilent about checking Ryan's skin. My son has found nodes so tiny that the doctor can't find them . It's better to be alert and on top of it even though looking for problems can make you worry even more . I sure wish my son had someone looking after him the way you do for your Ryan ( besides his Mom that is ! ) . You are one amazing partner! Wishing you all the best !

[missyrand Ambassador]

Tracking changes by location, size and change by feel and by scans and occasionally by punch biopsy or removal have all been part of our experience and that of others in our support group. I like how Strawberryjam provided details in how they have managed this information.

Glad Ryan is overall feeling better

Peace

Missy

[Crycleo]

I wouldn’t worry. Everything shows up on the PET unless they are too small. Just mention it to the doctor so he/she can make note of it and watch.

[kellyOd]

Thanks everyone! I keep an eye on everything and when something new pops up I get anxious. But overall is super good so a few lymph nodes shouldn’t rob us of the good feels of this freedom he has gotten.