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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