16+ Years Cancer-Free Thanks to Immunotherapy: Sharon Belvin's Melanoma Story
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2022
- Sharon Belvin was one of the first patients in the world treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor--and remains cancer-free today. #Immune2Cancer #CIM22 #Melanoma #CancerSurvivor
In 2004, at only 22 years old, Sharon Belvin was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma. Running out of options, her oncologist, Dr. Jedd Wolchok of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, informed her of a new type of cancer treatment called checkpoint blockade immunotherapy that was in early stages of testing. Without any hesitation, she enrolled in a clinical trial of ipilimumab (Yervoy), a CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor. After only four rounds of treatment, she was declared cancer-free one year later. Now, sixteen years later, she works as a health educator and wellness coach to help people with a variety of diseases return to full strength. www.cancerresearch.org/immuno...
This video is part of the 10th Annual Cancer Immunotherapy Month™ in June 2022, hosted by the Cancer Research Institute. Help us raise awareness of the lifesaving potential of immunotherapy for all types of cancer. Let's fuel the next scientific discoveries and breakthrough treatments through learning, engagement, and storytelling. www.cancerresearch.org/june
Established in 1953, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing our immune system’s power to control and potentially cure all cancers. Our mission: Save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. To accomplish this, we rely on donor support and collaborative partnerships to fund and carry out the most innovative clinical and laboratory research around the world, support the next generation of the field’s leaders, and serve as the trusted source of information on immunotherapy for cancer patients and their caregivers. www.cancerresearch.org
Cancer Research Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1837442. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.
It's quite literally saved my life & I'll be forever grateful to the researchers. I had a very aggressive stage 4 metastatic melanoma diagnosis 2 years ago, with 8 tumours through my body, including 3 on the brain. Within 3 months of immunotherapy they had all reduced by 70% & I was in remission after 6 months. I've since been told I was very lucky to get such a good result so quickly, but also that my positive attitude helped my immune system to fight. I'm still having treatment but if my latest PET scan is still clear my oncologist will decide if I can stop taking it. My husband died of the exact same diagnosis 20 years ago because there wasn't anything for it then so I know how lucky I am.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma 6 days ago. My immunotherapy begins in two days. Thank you for sharing your story. This gives me hope.
Thanks for watching! Happy to hear Sharon's story resonated with you!
Stage 4 melanoma and treated with imtherapy for 15 months. Be prepared for a rough ride. I know that not all get all side effects but for me it’s been probably all. But at the end of the day cancer is decreasing. Good luck and all the best from Sweden.
Wishing all the best. How was the treatment going so far?
Is chemotherapy given first and then immunotherapy or immunotherapy is given alone. Are you fine now?
I have Stage 4 lung cancer in my lung, liver, bones and brain. I just had all my radiation for my cervical area and brain. Had my second Keytruda immunotherapy last week. Fingers crosssed.
Immunotherapy is a game changer. Stage 4 here as well. 48 rounds of immunotherapy and done! Been in remission since last Dec. 😅
Plz muje apni story Bata sakti
This gives me hope for the future.
Praise God❤
Pls tell me which cancer u had?
So happy for you!
I am glad that the immunotherapy worked for you and you are here today to tell your testimony.
Immunotherapy has kept my husband alive. Dx stg 4 advanced nsclc w Mets May 7, 2021. Five radiation treatments then keytruda immunotherapy as main course of treatment. All the tumors have shrunk significantly. . SO great full. He is tired but still works full time everyday. It's a miracle drug for us. Thank u Jesus
hows his overall well being now ,is he able to do day to day activities with similar energy as it was way back then
This is great . Back then immunotherapy was a last chance try . It works . I am on immunotherapy since Oct 2021 for an aggressive stage4 . So far I’m winning . I’ll follow up after scans in a few weeks . Except for being tired ,I feel good ! Thank all for all the research , it’s paying off !
Great to hear, Charles! Thanks for watching!
@charlesroer972 how do you feel with immunotherapy my mother will start soon any side effects? Do you feel tired or wear? Or do you feel great?
@@michellec2108 immunotherapy makes me tired . It’s good to be here to tell of these things for anyone who is considering this . I’ll be on imuno for 2 yrs so I have 10 months to go . My cancer was so severe I had less than 2 weeks . No Dr would touch this .I found a Dr Steven Wang at UofA hospital Tucson AZ . For me the tiredness is ok compared to the permanent sleep I was heading to . God be with your mother and your family . This is hard time but stay positive never quit .
@@charlesroer972 how's your treatment going so Far?
@@charlesroer972hi Charles, how are you doing?
Im so happy and proud of you.
I pray for everyone with cancer can live up to their ripe old age
Hi friend. Out of curiosity. What made you decide to look into this? I hope you are doing well. And aren't having to deal with this too.
I am a stage 2 urothelial cancer patient, and just this morning begun immunotherapy. My oncologist is optimistic that this should be curative. But it's great to hear your story and read the other comments that give me and other cancer patients hope that we can beat this thing!!
I was diagnosed stage 4 Dec. 2020. Started Opdivo and Yervoy. After the second session I had the worst autoimmune response oncologist had ever seen. Ended up in the ER where i almost died. Even though my cancer is in remission I would not do immunotherapy again. Spent months in the hospital and rehab. Went from 207 to 136lbs. Im still battling complications from my experience. Bad anemia and needing iron infusions, lost a section of my intestines and was on a bag for a year. So be warned if you choose this treatment the side effects can be severe and possibly fatal. Its not all smiles and laughing like in the commercials.
As a person that has been receiving Opdive and Yervoy for the last 6 months and having also had serious side effects I am still glad that I have not had traditional Chemo and Radiation or surgery. The bottom line is Cancer is a very deadly disease and no matter what treatment very few people with stage 3 or 4 cancer escapes significant negative side effects from the treatment that is used to try to stop the cancers spread and growth.
@@truthmatters9594 can a person go through immunothrpy without even surgery ? or its usually prescribed aftr surgery.
@@bhajansanytime2323 Every person is different, in my case there has not been any indication that surgery is going to be recommended, my tumors have been shrinking with just immunotherapy.
Thank you Sharon for making this video. I am 67 and was diagnosed with stage four melanoma and started immunotherapy in December. After two treatments my liver enzymes skyrocketed over 1000 from the normal 1-40 range. After taking steroids the enzymes were normal and I started back with a newer immunotherapy. You have given me more hope and I am very encouraged. Thank you so very much. Blessings to you sister.
Thanks for watching, Michael!
What was the name of your Immunotherapy injection? God bless you🙏
Hi Sharon the first treatment I got was
OPDIVO® (nivolumab) a prescription medicine used in combination with YERVOY® (ipilimumab) As mentioned I had severe side effects of elevated liver enzymes and had to be on a long term of steroids to bring it down. The steroids brought it down well enough in two weeks to allow me to start taking the newer immunotherapy called opdualag. I will wean off of the steroids next week and have a second treatment of Opdualag. Bloodwork is always checked before treatment to check for side effects. I’m hoping and praying that God will use this to heal me and give me more years to live and serve Him. I had a port installed this week after the first one got infected. I realize we live in a fallen world and that every day is a gift. We all have an appointment with the Lord. Thanks for sharing your story and reaching out to others.
Anyone used Keytruda?
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on being cancer-free! Reaching this milestone is a significant achievement, and I can only imagine the relief and joy you and your loved ones must be feeling right now. Remember to celebrate this victory and take some time to appreciate your strength and resilience throughout your journey.
God Bless You !!!!!!!! Stay HEALTHY and safe. I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma from my service at ground Zero when I was a cop. I too are being treated at Sloan Kettering. I had my first treatments (radiation and chemo) I thought I was in the clear (this is throat cancer) but I had a "new" cancer base of tongue in November. I had a total laryngectomy in February and there was the markers and some left that they could not get surgically. My doctor started me on immunotherapy and had my first treatment last week. Other than fatigue knock on wood that is the only side effect. I go back in two weeks and I feel confident this will work. It is a total life altering experience. Thank you for the confident words and video.
How are you feeling? Did it work for you? I love hearing success stories like these, it gives me hope.
I was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in August 2023 and just a few days ago got the dna reports that show the immunotherapy is an treatment option and i have my first round in 5 days. Stories like this give me hope that I might not have to go through Radiation and Chemo and that true healing may be possible. Thanks for telling your story.
Thank you for watching, and for sharing your story with us!
How are you now?
My husband also suffering from same and he is undergoing treatment with immuno therapy
@truthmatters9594 How r u now? My husband also suffering from the same. Is immunotherapy working in stage 4?
@truthmatters9594 pls reply
I was diagnosed 2019 stage 4 lung, was started on immunotherapy and I have been in remission 2 years next month. It really works , I am having next scan soon. Congrats on your recovery.
Was your PDl test postive
@@Shiksha729 my pd1 was 100%. The cancer was completely hidden from my immune system,
Is immunotherapy given after chemotherapy or immunotherapy alone.?
@@Dharmik_Tree I was given keytruda, alimtia, both are immunotherapies, and got chemo carboplatin x 3 doses.
@@Dharmik_Tree depends on standard of care in the hospital/country
In Australia, first line treatment is whatever they find, may it be a combination of 2 different treatments. Whatever method that can save you the fastest and to live the longest with the least risk= first line treatment
You are an inspiration and your testimony Is most encouraging, thank you! Praise our Lord.
your treatment gives me hope i will start my chemo and immunotherapy very soon, let it be God's willing it will for me. and i will give my testimony just like you. thank you!!
Thank you soooo much for this video!
Happy for you and your family. Thank you for sharing and giving others hope
You are a miracle! Thank you for sharing this video of your journey. ❤️🙏
Thank you. You’re a blessing from God.
My husband got his first immunotherapy treatment today for stage 4 renal cell carcinoma. These type of videos give me so much hope for the future.
How is your husband?
I hope he's doing well. God bless him 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank You
Thanks for sharing Ms. Belvin. Mr. Blair M. Phillips - Canada - Retired & Caregiver
This video is a blessing and really an inspiration to a liver -cancer…… thank you soo much
Thank you for sharing 😃🙏.
Thank you for sharing your story, this gives me hope for the future.
Thanks for watching!
Keytruda for me. NSCLC adenocarcinoma. The tumor in my right lung went from 35 mm down to 6 mm in just after 2 treatments. I'm at 5 treatments now and it gone. There's still the one in my left lung that's a bit stubborn. But at least it went from 12 mm down to 8 mm. That one did not light up in the PET scan. Nevertheless, I'm living a better quality of life as compared to receiving chemo. And the side affect are almost nothing.
I hope you are doing well,,, God bless you🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! I'm just getting started. You really gave me a lot of hope. I visited my oncologist today. I have huge cancer on the side of my head. And on my jaw. After one treatment, it has already began to shrink. I got home today, and got really emotional. I'm really stoked for you.
A year ago I had a lump, and because of immunotherapy I am still being treated but about to go bike camping in the Hebrides … xx (approved by my oncologist yippie )
Dear Sharon, a total pleasure listening to your intelligent testimony. BRAVO!!! 👏👏👏👏 So happy for you 😊😊😊, from Lima, Peru 🇵🇪
Thanks for watching!
im happy for you,, my immune therapy drug didnt work for me so im back to chemo n radiation,, i got adenocarcinoma non small cell stage 4 B my cancer is not curable, which suks, but im gonna keep the fight, an try to go more years, knock on wood but prayers your way that all stays good for you
U ok? Because my mother is fighting the same. And doctor recommend only chemotherapy. Should I go to some immunotherapy onco for other openion.
How are you now?
Google, "Joe Tippens Protocol". He had stage 4 small cell cancer and used fenbendazole to cure it in 3 months. It had spread throughout his entire body. Good luck and God Bless
Ty for making this video!!! I'm so proud of you!!! I start immunotherapy on the 13tg of jan
Me too
I hope you are doing well. Stay always blessed 🙏🙏🙏
Opdivo saved my life, stage 4
You gave a hope to other patients.
Thank you for watching!
So how come they are not using this more? The first thing they offer is chemo, this is a shame. Is it stil only in trial phase?
Year 5 of stage 4 breast cancer...2.5 years I was in remission. 8 months ago i had very small 2 centimeter tumor in liver that stayed stable for over a year and one small lump in breast also stable....blood work great...felt great...stable....
8 months of Keytruda....I now have hyperthyroidism in and I am in tumor hyperprogression....I have never had cancer tumors like this....I feel fine...blood work great....tumors popping up everyday...it is comparable to poison Ivey spreading. Keytruda caused my cancer to grow and become very strong...
Stopped treatment. It was the worst treatment for me and I would advise to let people know it will either give you AMAZING results and SHORTEN YOUR LIFE CONSIDERABLY. it's a 50/50 chance...
Ask your oncologist to have your markers pulled from all biopsies for comparison because cancer changes and mutates...pull, blood work and general case file ask him to have you complete case reviewed by his peers and ask him for the finding before committing....I wish I had.
@@teresalawson-payne9189I'm so sorry. How are you now since you stopped the immunotherapy
I have stage 4 kidney cancer start immunotherapy Monday
I hope you are doing well. God bless you🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Do you take the pills form or intravenous..
I search google and there is a different immu ..,traphyso could you please explain every step , I would like to do it for my dad , thank you
Hi Amy, For more information on immunotherapy, please visit our website: www.cancerresearch.org/immunotherapy
How does it work?
Hello Yadira, To learn more about immunotherapy, please visit our website: www.cancerresearch.org/en-us/immunotherapy/what-is-immunotherapy
What about Ivermectin I've been hearing so much good things about it in curing cancer in humans and animals