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I was recently diagnosed Stage 4 melanoma spread to my brain and lungs. Waiting to start my immunotherapy now. Does anyone else like me?

A MyMelanomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Vancouver, WA
August 23
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A MyMelanomaTeam Member

Two years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma which had spread to my lungs. Today, after 20+ immunotherapy treatments, my lungs are clear, and its not obvious now whether I even have radiographically active disease. While the journey is difficult and unknowns are exceptionally stressful, there is real reason for hope. I hope that your immunotherapy starts soon so that you can feel like you're fighting back and can turn your focus to that. I remember waiting for my initial immunotherapy dose and how it couldn't come soon enough to console my mental well being. Hang in there. That said, be cognizant of IRaes and report anything that is off to your oncology team. My story with immunotherapy started with a serious and dangerous bang unfortunately. That said, two years later even that was worth it. Thoughts and prayers Julia.

August 23
MyMelanomaTeam

First, receiving a Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis is a lot to take in, and it's completely understandable to want to connect with others who are going through something similar. You are absolutely not alone in this.

Many MyMelanomaTeam members are living with Stage 4 melanoma that has spread to the brain and lungs. It's one of Show Full Answer

First, receiving a Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis is a lot to take in, and it's completely understandable to want to connect with others who are going through something similar. You are absolutely not alone in this.

Many MyMelanomaTeam members are living with Stage 4 melanoma that has spread to the brain and lungs. It's one of the more common areas melanoma can metastasize to, and there are active members sharing their experiences, treatments, and support every day. While waiting to start immunotherapy, it may help to know what to expect. Some common symptoms people experience with brain and lung metastases include:

Brain:
- Headaches
- Memory problems
- Seizures
- Vision or hearing changes

Lungs:
- Persistent cough (with or without blood)
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath

General Stage 4 symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite Immunotherapy is typically the first treatment doctors recommend for Stage 4 melanoma. It tends to have longer-lasting effects than other treatments. Common options include pembrolizumab, nivolumab, or combination therapies.

One encouraging note — the survival rate for metastatic melanoma has actually doubled over the past 20 years, largely thanks to advances in immunotherapy. There is real reason for hope. 💙

August 23

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