‘New’ Here with a few questions
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‘New’ Here with a few questions

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › ‘New’ Here with a few questions

  • Post
    • June 29, 2018 at 2:37 pm
    nicolec
    Participant

    I would like to introduce myself. While I am 'new' here, I'm not. I have found the information on this board invaluable and extremely helpful since my first biopsy, which was in April. So, THANK YOU! Reading information on-line is overwhelming, but reading the information on the board made me feel like I had power and knowledge as I waited for biopsy results, many times.

    I am stage 3a. After my WLE and SLB, I had two lymph nodes show microscopic foci of small nests and single mart-1 postive cells. One each on each side of my groin. Pet scan is clear.

    I am seeing a local oncologist, who is not a melanoma specialsist. From everything I've read- I'm thinking I should see a melanoma specialist. I have a referral in to the Mayo Clinic (relative near me and where they sent two of my biopsies for 2nd opinions so I figure they're the ones to go to).

    My onocologist is going to start me on Opdivo. 

    The nurse at my oncologist's office just called and said Mayo doesn't have any clincial trials- but I could still go if I'd like.

     

    My question- at my stage is a 2nd opinion very important? 

    Also, and more importantly- I'm wondering about a CLND. It would be both sides of my groin. From what I've read- it's not really recommended anymore? My oncologist, at my first visit, said it could be a possibility. Then he said that perhaps just radiation in that area would work. But I don't really know what his plan is.

    Thanks!

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  • Replies
      • June 29, 2018 at 3:20 pm
      ed williams
      Participant

      Here are a couple of recent sources of information on the topic of CLND, first is a really good video from a melanoma expert and the second is an article from Onclive. Best Wishes!!Ed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_T186r5gIE     https://www.onclive.com/web-exclusives/complete-lymph-node-dissection-not-superior-to-surveillance-in-melanoma

      • June 29, 2018 at 3:29 pm
      MichelleRHG
      Participant
      If you do choose to have the surgery, please make sure the surgeon is a melanoma specialist.
        • July 1, 2018 at 4:19 am
        Mark_DC
        Participant

        I would definitely be treated by a melanoma specialist and not an oncologist. Its not clear to me where you live but you can search on this board for specialists others who live nearby have used. There may be somwhere better than Mayo.

        I dont think your local oncologist assistant would know whether or not Mayo have trials – these things change all the time and really only Mayo would know. So go to Mayo or maybe there is a better place too even if further away.

        Finally I have found second opinions useful. WHen first diagnosed with Stage III then the second opinion session was easier to deal with – I came better prepared, the visit was less of a shock and the doctor explained carefully and was helpful. I did not take the second opinion advice though! Then I sought the same doctor for a seond opinion later and my team did take his advice – he advocated an option my team had considered but was leaning against, so his opinion made us rethink. SO even if you dont take them they can be useful plus I have found a backup specialist who I trust.

        good luck Mark

         

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