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Second primary could use some advice
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Second primary could use some advice

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Second primary could use some advice

  • Post
    • June 29, 2012 at 6:51 pm
    LauraJean
    Participant
      Hi! I am recovering from my second melanoma, this one was in situ (yeah). Still many stitches by my ankle but I’ll survive 🙂 . My first was in 2006 on the same leg but on thigh. It was 2.1 mm SNB negative, did a month of Interferon infusion. I love my dermatologist but am wondering if I should find a melanoma specialist? My mother also had several primaries – 3 I think. Not sure what to do at this point, any suggestions? I am in the NY/NJ metro area. Thanks!

      Hi! I am recovering from my second melanoma, this one was in situ (yeah). Still many stitches by my ankle but I’ll survive 🙂 . My first was in 2006 on the same leg but on thigh. It was 2.1 mm SNB negative, did a month of Interferon infusion. I love my dermatologist but am wondering if I should find a melanoma specialist? My mother also had several primaries – 3 I think. Not sure what to do at this point, any suggestions? I am in the NY/NJ metro area. Thanks!

    Viewing 11 reply threads
    • Replies
        • June 29, 2012 at 9:57 pm
        Linny
        Participant

          It never hurts to get another opinion. If you're in the NY/NY metro area, you might want to call Sloan Kettering.

          Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
          Disease Management Team
          Dermatology Department
          160 East 53rd Street
          New York, NY 10021
          Phone: (212) – 610-0766
          • June 29, 2012 at 9:57 pm
          Linny
          Participant

            It never hurts to get another opinion. If you're in the NY/NY metro area, you might want to call Sloan Kettering.

            Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
            Disease Management Team
            Dermatology Department
            160 East 53rd Street
            New York, NY 10021
            Phone: (212) – 610-0766
            • June 29, 2012 at 9:57 pm
            Linny
            Participant

              It never hurts to get another opinion. If you're in the NY/NY metro area, you might want to call Sloan Kettering.

              Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
              Disease Management Team
              Dermatology Department
              160 East 53rd Street
              New York, NY 10021
              Phone: (212) – 610-0766
              • June 30, 2012 at 1:03 pm
              Gene_S
              Participant

                I would say get a second opinion from a melanoma specialist since your mother also had melanoma.

                Judy

                • June 30, 2012 at 1:03 pm
                Gene_S
                Participant

                  I would say get a second opinion from a melanoma specialist since your mother also had melanoma.

                  Judy

                  • June 30, 2012 at 1:03 pm
                  Gene_S
                  Participant

                    I would say get a second opinion from a melanoma specialist since your mother also had melanoma.

                    Judy

                    • July 1, 2012 at 4:26 am
                    alicia
                    Participant

                      Hi, If I were you I would want to see a melanoma specialist.  It wasn't until my third primary that I actually was referrred to a melanoma specialist at Vandy.  You can check my profile for more info.  Much love, Alicia Stage 3 NED

                      • July 1, 2012 at 4:26 am
                      alicia
                      Participant

                        Hi, If I were you I would want to see a melanoma specialist.  It wasn't until my third primary that I actually was referrred to a melanoma specialist at Vandy.  You can check my profile for more info.  Much love, Alicia Stage 3 NED

                        • July 1, 2012 at 4:26 am
                        alicia
                        Participant

                          Hi, If I were you I would want to see a melanoma specialist.  It wasn't until my third primary that I actually was referrred to a melanoma specialist at Vandy.  You can check my profile for more info.  Much love, Alicia Stage 3 NED

                          • July 1, 2012 at 5:08 am
                          Janner
                          Participant

                            I went to a melanoma specialist after my second primary.  I can't honestly say he's done more than my regular dermatologist except take baseline pictures for mole mapping.  I liked my previous derm, but didn't care for his office staff.  That prompted me to look elsewhere.  I guess my question for you is what do you think a specialist is going to do for you that your current derm doesn't?  If it makes you feel better, go for it.  But if you have a good working relationship with your current doc, you might be just fine where you are.   If you are just monitoring your skin for other primaries, it appears you are doing fine with your current doc.  However, if you had some type of recurrence and wanted treatment options, then a specialist is definitely the place to be.  It comes down to your comfort level and what you expect to get from a specialist.  If you just want another set of eyes, that works too.  I've caught my 3 primaries and don't count on anyone else to find them.  I know my body best.  What would make YOU feel the most comfortable?

                            Best wishes,

                            Janner

                            • July 1, 2012 at 5:08 am
                            Janner
                            Participant

                              I went to a melanoma specialist after my second primary.  I can't honestly say he's done more than my regular dermatologist except take baseline pictures for mole mapping.  I liked my previous derm, but didn't care for his office staff.  That prompted me to look elsewhere.  I guess my question for you is what do you think a specialist is going to do for you that your current derm doesn't?  If it makes you feel better, go for it.  But if you have a good working relationship with your current doc, you might be just fine where you are.   If you are just monitoring your skin for other primaries, it appears you are doing fine with your current doc.  However, if you had some type of recurrence and wanted treatment options, then a specialist is definitely the place to be.  It comes down to your comfort level and what you expect to get from a specialist.  If you just want another set of eyes, that works too.  I've caught my 3 primaries and don't count on anyone else to find them.  I know my body best.  What would make YOU feel the most comfortable?

                              Best wishes,

                              Janner

                              • July 1, 2012 at 5:08 am
                              Janner
                              Participant

                                I went to a melanoma specialist after my second primary.  I can't honestly say he's done more than my regular dermatologist except take baseline pictures for mole mapping.  I liked my previous derm, but didn't care for his office staff.  That prompted me to look elsewhere.  I guess my question for you is what do you think a specialist is going to do for you that your current derm doesn't?  If it makes you feel better, go for it.  But if you have a good working relationship with your current doc, you might be just fine where you are.   If you are just monitoring your skin for other primaries, it appears you are doing fine with your current doc.  However, if you had some type of recurrence and wanted treatment options, then a specialist is definitely the place to be.  It comes down to your comfort level and what you expect to get from a specialist.  If you just want another set of eyes, that works too.  I've caught my 3 primaries and don't count on anyone else to find them.  I know my body best.  What would make YOU feel the most comfortable?

                                Best wishes,

                                Janner

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