Just diagnosed with Metastatic melanoma of liver/lung/lymph nodes

Sorry for what you are dealing with Robert. Most of us here certainly recommend that you see a melanoma specialist.  Dr. Omid Hamid in Los Angeles has a great reputation.  MD Anderson provides specialized care as well.  Learning about your diagnosis and treatment options is an essential first step and it seems you are on your way to doing that.  Here is a primer I put together that covers basic melanoma care, perhaps you will find it helpful:  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/melanoma-intel-primer-for-current.html

There are many amazing melanoma peeps on this forum who will supply you with great information and support.  Ask questions as you need.  I wish you my best.  Celeste

My wife sees Dr. Hamid;  he is outstanding and up to date on the leading edge of treatments in melanoma.

She was diagnosed stage IV with brain mets in July, 2017.   She's had a craniotomy, gamma knife, and is currently on Opdivo after finishing the Yervoy/Opdivo combo.   Her last scans in February show no metabolic activity at any of her tumor sites – she is in remission.   We're in San Luis Obispo.    Angeles Clinic and Dr. Hamid are very close to you.    USC also has a stellar reputation for melanoma.    City of Hope seems to be growing their melanoma program, and has the benefit of having almost anything you would need under one roof.   I don't think you'll go wrong choosing any of them.  Dr. Hamid works with a local oncologist in SLO, so my wife receives her immunotherapy infusions within 1/4 mile of our house, and we just go down to Angeles every 3 months or so.   Hamid shares a couple of patients with the local oncologist, so it's helpful that they have a pre-existing relationship and we don't have to travel so much for quality care that is guided and overseen by Dr. Hamid.   Good luck to you.   The progress in melanoma treatments in just the last few years has been astounding.

Hello, sorry to hear of your troubles. My husband, also Stage IV since diagnosis last October, sees Dr. Ribas at UCLA as well. We are very happy with him. Dr. Hamid also has a great reputation. City of Hope is excellent, but much farther than is the westside from Ventura County. You have many excellent options in LA, including USC Norris Cancer Center. ~ Carol