April 26, 2013 Skin melanoma discovered on my back. Surgically removed.
May 13, 2013 Sentinel node biopsy on lymph node revealed no signs of cancer
June 2015 I detect swelling of lymph nodes under right armpit. With primary care MD we decide to treat with antibiotic in case it is due to infection
August 21 Referred to UNC oncology for evaluation. Lymph node is biopsied and PET scan is conducted.
August 31 Diagnosed with metastatic melanoma with tumors in lymph nodes, lungs, and adrenal gland. MRI of head shows no brain metastases.
September 8 Consult with Stergios Moschos, MD, Melanoma expert at UNC who recommends IL2 followed by ipi-nivo regiment.
September 23 Consult with Steve Hodi, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who recommends clinical trial for Nivolumab (Opdivo) in combination with Ipilimumab (Yervoy) in subjects with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
September 28 I join the Expanded Access of the clinical study right before the treatment is FDA approved.
October 2 First infusion at Dana-Farber.
October 7 Appointment with Duke melanoma team headed by April Salama, M.D.
October 22 Develop drug-related diarrhea and put on Prednisone
November 5 Blood work reveals drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Prednisone dose is doubled.
November 17 Blood work shows normal liver function, prednisone taper continues.
December 4 Second infusion at Duke
December 10 Concern about kidney function, diarrhea, skin rash and other side effects. Prednisone resumed at 80 mg.
January 6 Admitted to Duke Hospital with 103 degree fever. Received antibiotics, really high dose steroids, flexible sigmoidoscopy and discharged on January 11.
January 12 Prednisone resumed at 60 mg with gradual taper.
January 26 PET scan reveals a positive response to the treatment. All mets have disappeared and a lymph node tumor is much reduced.
March 23 Second PET scan shows hot spots in lungs with lymph node size stable. Decision to wait for next scan.
May 25 Third PET scan is consistent with last. Labs show increase in calcium and creatinine.
June 6 Bronchoscopy to retrieve tissue for biopsy. No malignancy found. Sarcoidosis confirmed.