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best hospital or specialist for metastatic melanoma

Forums Cutaneous Melanoma Community best hospital or specialist for metastatic melanoma

  • Post
    liam1209
    Participant

    My 61 year old father was just diagnosed with malignant melanoma. I'm basically trying to find the best melanoma cancer specialist/ hospital in the US or world to treat my dad's cancer.  Would love to know your suggestions. 

    More details below:

    He is currently abroad and all these tests took place abroad.  I am trying to identify who would be best doctor/ hospital in the US or world  to review his case to date after he gets MRI and PET results next week. I live in Los Angeles and he could stay with me if there is a great hospital near me. He also has family in Seattle.  But in general location is not a problem we are just trying to find best care.  

    General oncologist recommended he see a Melanoma specialist.

    Symptoms summary:

    1. Had swollen lymph node from Feb-June 2014.

    2. Lymph node removed via surgery (left side of neck behind and below ear) on

    June 18, 2014.

    3. On July 21 pathology report from lymph node received malignant melanoma

    (Immunochemical testing in USA results: Malignant melanoma

    (S100+/SOX10+/NKIC3+/MiTF few+), spindle cell type involving lymph nodes).

    4. Still unknown where melanoma originated (possibly from July 2013 nevus but

    pathology negative for melanoma) but dermatologist finds no evidence on skin

    on July 23.

    5. Aug 4, 2014: CT’s (cat scans) of thorax, abdomen and pelvis show two

    small (about 1 cm) nodules in lungs and Oncologist recommends PET CT to see

    if these are related to malignant melonoma.

    6. Cerebral MRI pending (scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 12th)



    **no other symptoms, all blood work good, feels great, no skin or retinal

    melanomas evident.

     

    Thanks so much!!! 

Viewing 14 reply threads
  • Replies
      kylez
      Participant

      Hi Liam,

      In my opinion, distance is one factor in determining the best treatment center. There are a bunch of top tier centers. Some of the big centers mentioned the most are MSK, MDA and Moffitt. But there's a world outside of those. For example among many prominent doctors is Dr. Antony Ribas at UCLA, which is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center (like the 3 mentioned above are). I'm seen at UCSF, which I've been 100% happy with. And I did go for a second opinion at MDA once.

      There's also the total package to consider — not just the oncologist, but also departments like surgery and radiation oncology that may or may not be needed at some point.

      Maybe one distinguishing characteristic is what clinical trials are available at a given center. However, you don't need to stick to your main treatment center for those — I'm in a clinical trial at Providence Portland (not an NCI-designated comprehenisve cancer center) even as my "home" center is UCSF (which is one). And I've found Providence Portland a pretty amazing place too. I've yet to see a doctor any facility (I've been seen at 4) that feels it's their business to regularly scour the country. They certainly know their own trials. To widen the possibilities, I have needed to educate myself about what trials are out there, and pursue them independently of my particular treatment center. One can make this easier by picking a cancer center with a large number of trials, but even so, there's always a wider world than the set of clinical trials at any one center, even a large one. In my opinion and experience, at least.

      I can travel for second opinions, and for trials, which can also be true in your Dad's situation. Especially if he can travel freely, then one way to use that capability could be to get second opinions, but be able to stay local for tests, scans, and (perhaps an excellent) primary oncologist.

      I think it's great that your Dad has you in your corner. Good luck with all this. And ask lots of questions!

      – Kyle

        tag4128
        Participant
        Thank you for posting this invaluable information, Kyle. I really appreciate it. Hope you are doing very well.

        Tamara

        naomilaser
        Participant

        Hello,

         

        did you ever find a specialist you were happy with? i'm tryign to find the best specialist for my father for mucosal (sinus) melanoma with metastatic tumor in the lung.

         

        Thanks

        Naomi

        tag4128
        Participant
        Thank you for posting this invaluable information, Kyle. I really appreciate it. Hope you are doing very well.

        Tamara

        tag4128
        Participant
        Thank you for posting this invaluable information, Kyle. I really appreciate it. Hope you are doing very well.

        Tamara

      kylez
      Participant

      Hi Liam,

      In my opinion, distance is one factor in determining the best treatment center. There are a bunch of top tier centers. Some of the big centers mentioned the most are MSK, MDA and Moffitt. But there's a world outside of those. For example among many prominent doctors is Dr. Antony Ribas at UCLA, which is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center (like the 3 mentioned above are). I'm seen at UCSF, which I've been 100% happy with. And I did go for a second opinion at MDA once.

      There's also the total package to consider — not just the oncologist, but also departments like surgery and radiation oncology that may or may not be needed at some point.

      Maybe one distinguishing characteristic is what clinical trials are available at a given center. However, you don't need to stick to your main treatment center for those — I'm in a clinical trial at Providence Portland (not an NCI-designated comprehenisve cancer center) even as my "home" center is UCSF (which is one). And I've found Providence Portland a pretty amazing place too. I've yet to see a doctor any facility (I've been seen at 4) that feels it's their business to regularly scour the country. They certainly know their own trials. To widen the possibilities, I have needed to educate myself about what trials are out there, and pursue them independently of my particular treatment center. One can make this easier by picking a cancer center with a large number of trials, but even so, there's always a wider world than the set of clinical trials at any one center, even a large one. In my opinion and experience, at least.

      I can travel for second opinions, and for trials, which can also be true in your Dad's situation. Especially if he can travel freely, then one way to use that capability could be to get second opinions, but be able to stay local for tests, scans, and (perhaps an excellent) primary oncologist.

      I think it's great that your Dad has you in your corner. Good luck with all this. And ask lots of questions!

      – Kyle

      kylez
      Participant

      Hi Liam,

      In my opinion, distance is one factor in determining the best treatment center. There are a bunch of top tier centers. Some of the big centers mentioned the most are MSK, MDA and Moffitt. But there's a world outside of those. For example among many prominent doctors is Dr. Antony Ribas at UCLA, which is an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center (like the 3 mentioned above are). I'm seen at UCSF, which I've been 100% happy with. And I did go for a second opinion at MDA once.

      There's also the total package to consider — not just the oncologist, but also departments like surgery and radiation oncology that may or may not be needed at some point.

      Maybe one distinguishing characteristic is what clinical trials are available at a given center. However, you don't need to stick to your main treatment center for those — I'm in a clinical trial at Providence Portland (not an NCI-designated comprehenisve cancer center) even as my "home" center is UCSF (which is one). And I've found Providence Portland a pretty amazing place too. I've yet to see a doctor any facility (I've been seen at 4) that feels it's their business to regularly scour the country. They certainly know their own trials. To widen the possibilities, I have needed to educate myself about what trials are out there, and pursue them independently of my particular treatment center. One can make this easier by picking a cancer center with a large number of trials, but even so, there's always a wider world than the set of clinical trials at any one center, even a large one. In my opinion and experience, at least.

      I can travel for second opinions, and for trials, which can also be true in your Dad's situation. Especially if he can travel freely, then one way to use that capability could be to get second opinions, but be able to stay local for tests, scans, and (perhaps an excellent) primary oncologist.

      I think it's great that your Dad has you in your corner. Good luck with all this. And ask lots of questions!

      – Kyle

      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      I've read on here many people like Dr. O'Day at the Beverly Hills clinic. One person on here I remember them saying something like he never gives up on his patients. He might be good for your local doc and then like Kyle said. Also Dr Omid Hamid might be pretty good at the Angeles Clinic.

      Also Dr. Weber at Moffit in Tampa and Dr Wolchok at MSK in New York and Dr Rosenberg at NIH in Maryland seem to be some of the main leaders.

      Artie

       

      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      I've read on here many people like Dr. O'Day at the Beverly Hills clinic. One person on here I remember them saying something like he never gives up on his patients. He might be good for your local doc and then like Kyle said. Also Dr Omid Hamid might be pretty good at the Angeles Clinic.

      Also Dr. Weber at Moffit in Tampa and Dr Wolchok at MSK in New York and Dr Rosenberg at NIH in Maryland seem to be some of the main leaders.

      Artie

       

      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      I've read on here many people like Dr. O'Day at the Beverly Hills clinic. One person on here I remember them saying something like he never gives up on his patients. He might be good for your local doc and then like Kyle said. Also Dr Omid Hamid might be pretty good at the Angeles Clinic.

      Also Dr. Weber at Moffit in Tampa and Dr Wolchok at MSK in New York and Dr Rosenberg at NIH in Maryland seem to be some of the main leaders.

      Artie

       

      Janner
      Participant

      No one hospital has a higher survival rate than another hospital.  A good specialist can offer your father the same treatments that other good specialists have as well.  The only real difference comes if you are looking at clinical trials – because those are definitely site dependent.  A specialist at one site will definitely push their own trials as opposed to suggesting you go elsewhere for a trial.  Trials definitely require more research on the part of the patient to make sure they can find the best trial for them!

        liam1209
        Participant

        Thank you so much everyone!  What is the best way to educate myself about clinical trials at these different places and is there a way to figure if they will be helpful or does one just go into them blindly? 

        Cheers,

        Liam

        Janner
        Participant

        Honestly, I'd start with a specialist and get their thoughts.  Also research trials at clinicaltrials.gov.  Some trials have exclusions for previous treatments and others require you to fail standard treatments.  You can discuss all this with any specialist, but again doing your own research on trials isn't a bad idea.  But initially it is nice to get the specialists thoughts on your dad's specific case.

        Janner
        Participant

        Honestly, I'd start with a specialist and get their thoughts.  Also research trials at clinicaltrials.gov.  Some trials have exclusions for previous treatments and others require you to fail standard treatments.  You can discuss all this with any specialist, but again doing your own research on trials isn't a bad idea.  But initially it is nice to get the specialists thoughts on your dad's specific case.

        Janner
        Participant

        Honestly, I'd start with a specialist and get their thoughts.  Also research trials at clinicaltrials.gov.  Some trials have exclusions for previous treatments and others require you to fail standard treatments.  You can discuss all this with any specialist, but again doing your own research on trials isn't a bad idea.  But initially it is nice to get the specialists thoughts on your dad's specific case.

        valeryskor
        Participant

        Dear Liam and other guests of MRF,

        Hope your Dad, Liam,  is doing well, I wish to him only the best.

        By the way, like your Dad I am 65 y.o. too. My name is Valery Korobeynyk,  I live in small Ukrainian town Kobelyaky and work here since 1974 in our Central Rayon Hospital, now – more than 32 years – as Chief out-patient Department (although in our country it is absolutely not the same as it is in Europe, UK or in USA).

        Unfortunately, the reason for writing this letter is very sad, even bitter for me. But I decided to write to you: what if you have friends or acquaintances who have come into contact with a disaster that has suddenly fallen on me and can prompt or even help me to find a way out of my, most likely hopeless situation …

        And now in effect: on September 9 I was in Poltava and consulted an oncologist about the birthmark on my back, which began to grow in recent months and increased almost twofold.
        The oncologist suspected melanoma of the skin of my back and conducted all possible examinations in Poltava of my birthmark (brownish-dark brown color about 2 x 1.5 cm in size). Here are the results::

        -X-ray of chest organs: there were no pathologies in the lung, in the region of the 6th rib on the right (approximately at the level of formation), the site of rarefaction of bone tissue is determined.
        -Computer tomography of chest organs (for the purpose of refinement on the rib) and the rest = pathology is not revealed.
        -The ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract and small pelvis revealed one enlarged lymph node in the left (???) armpit 2х1.5 cm. Inguinal, retroperitoneal and other lymph nodes were not enlarged and did not become localized.
        -The punction of the lymph node: there are no abnormal cells (although the doctor told me that in practice this can practically mean nothing).

        On October 11, I was at the Kiev National Cancer Institute. Professor Korovin Sergey. – one of the best specialists of melanoma in Ukraine – carefully examined me and suggested: as soon as possible operation with a deep and with a large margin from the edges of surgical excision of education, the conduct of histological examination. And only then he can decide on a more specific tactic of further treatment and possible definition of predictions for for life.

        I basically agree and I'm ready to go to surgery at the end of next week.
        However, I read a little on the Internet about the progress in the treatment of melanoma in your country, especially in Israel, and began to doubt.

        That's why I decided to write to you too.
        Please, do not turn away, think, remember – maybe suddenly in your head will appear and rippen a chance for my salvation/

        If it’ll be possible for you – help me to have contacts with people with melanoma in your country.

        Excuse me my maybe not so excellent English, mistakes in this letter but I will look forward to hear from you as soon as you can and  I will hope.

        With best wishes from small Ukrainian town Kobelyaky and my unlucky Ukraine.

        Yours sincerely,

        Mr.Valery Korobeynyk M.D.
        5 Yakir Str, Kobelyaky,
        Poltava reg., 39200,
        Ukraine.                                                                                                                       
        Tel.:+38 099 98 29 601
        E-mail: valeryskor@yahoo.com

        valeryskor
        Participant

        Dear Liam and other guests of MRF,

        Hope your Dad, Liam,  is doing well, I wish to him only the best.

        By the way, like your Dad I am 65 y.o. too. My name is Valery Korobeynyk,  I live in small Ukrainian town Kobelyaky and work here since 1974 in our Central Rayon Hospital, now – more than 32 years – as Chief out-patient Department (although in our country it is absolutely not the same as it is in Europe, UK or in USA).

        Unfortunately, the reason for writing this letter is very sad, even bitter for me. But I decided to write to you: what if you have friends or acquaintances who have come into contact with a disaster that has suddenly fallen on me and can prompt or even help me to find a way out of my, most likely hopeless situation …

        And now in effect: on September 9 I was in Poltava and consulted an oncologist about the birthmark on my back, which began to grow in recent months and increased almost twofold.
        The oncologist suspected melanoma of the skin of my back and conducted all possible examinations in Poltava of my birthmark (brownish-dark brown color about 2 x 1.5 cm in size). Here are the results::

        -X-ray of chest organs: there were no pathologies in the lung, in the region of the 6th rib on the right (approximately at the level of formation), the site of rarefaction of bone tissue is determined.
        -Computer tomography of chest organs (for the purpose of refinement on the rib) and the rest = pathology is not revealed.
        -The ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract and small pelvis revealed one enlarged lymph node in the left (???) armpit 2х1.5 cm. Inguinal, retroperitoneal and other lymph nodes were not enlarged and did not become localized.
        -The punction of the lymph node: there are no abnormal cells (although the doctor told me that in practice this can practically mean nothing).

        On October 11, I was at the Kiev National Cancer Institute. Professor Korovin Sergey. – one of the best specialists of melanoma in Ukraine – carefully examined me and suggested: as soon as possible operation with a deep and with a large margin from the edges of surgical excision of education, the conduct of histological examination. And only then he can decide on a more specific tactic of further treatment and possible definition of predictions for for life.

        I basically agree and I'm ready to go to surgery at the end of next week.
        However, I read a little on the Internet about the progress in the treatment of melanoma in your country, especially in Israel, and began to doubt.

        That's why I decided to write to you too.
        Please, do not turn away, think, remember – maybe suddenly in your head will appear and rippen a chance for my salvation/

        If it’ll be possible for you – help me to have contacts with people with melanoma in your country.

        Excuse me my maybe not so excellent English, mistakes in this letter but I will look forward to hear from you as soon as you can and  I will hope.

        With best wishes from small Ukrainian town Kobelyaky and my unlucky Ukraine.

        Yours sincerely,

        Mr.Valery Korobeynyk M.D.
        5 Yakir Str, Kobelyaky,
        Poltava reg., 39200,
        Ukraine.                                                                                                                       
        Tel.:+38 099 98 29 601
        E-mail: valeryskor@yahoo.com

        liam1209
        Participant

        Thank you so much everyone!  What is the best way to educate myself about clinical trials at these different places and is there a way to figure if they will be helpful or does one just go into them blindly? 

        Cheers,

        Liam

        liam1209
        Participant

        Thank you so much everyone!  What is the best way to educate myself about clinical trials at these different places and is there a way to figure if they will be helpful or does one just go into them blindly? 

        Cheers,

        Liam

      Janner
      Participant

      No one hospital has a higher survival rate than another hospital.  A good specialist can offer your father the same treatments that other good specialists have as well.  The only real difference comes if you are looking at clinical trials – because those are definitely site dependent.  A specialist at one site will definitely push their own trials as opposed to suggesting you go elsewhere for a trial.  Trials definitely require more research on the part of the patient to make sure they can find the best trial for them!

      Janner
      Participant

      No one hospital has a higher survival rate than another hospital.  A good specialist can offer your father the same treatments that other good specialists have as well.  The only real difference comes if you are looking at clinical trials – because those are definitely site dependent.  A specialist at one site will definitely push their own trials as opposed to suggesting you go elsewhere for a trial.  Trials definitely require more research on the part of the patient to make sure they can find the best trial for them!

      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi Liam,

      there are several.  Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY, MD Anderson I. Houston, Dana Farger in Mass and Moffitt in Tampa are all top flight.  There are several other high caliber centers throughout the US.  As another respondent mentioned, the sponsored clinical trials are a big factor as is the ability to provide overall care (Interventional Radiology, patient safety, technology, etc).  If you google US News and World Report, 2014 Best Hospitals, you'll be able to search hospitals by specialty ("Cancer" in this instance), and get a good snapshot of each.

       

      good luck!

        SABKLYN
        Participant

        Sorry, that should read MD Anderson in Houston and Dana Farber in Mass

        SABKLYN
        Participant

        Sorry, that should read MD Anderson in Houston and Dana Farber in Mass

        SABKLYN
        Participant

        Sorry, that should read MD Anderson in Houston and Dana Farber in Mass

      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi Liam,

      there are several.  Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY, MD Anderson I. Houston, Dana Farger in Mass and Moffitt in Tampa are all top flight.  There are several other high caliber centers throughout the US.  As another respondent mentioned, the sponsored clinical trials are a big factor as is the ability to provide overall care (Interventional Radiology, patient safety, technology, etc).  If you google US News and World Report, 2014 Best Hospitals, you'll be able to search hospitals by specialty ("Cancer" in this instance), and get a good snapshot of each.

       

      good luck!

      SABKLYN
      Participant

      Hi Liam,

      there are several.  Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY, MD Anderson I. Houston, Dana Farger in Mass and Moffitt in Tampa are all top flight.  There are several other high caliber centers throughout the US.  As another respondent mentioned, the sponsored clinical trials are a big factor as is the ability to provide overall care (Interventional Radiology, patient safety, technology, etc).  If you google US News and World Report, 2014 Best Hospitals, you'll be able to search hospitals by specialty ("Cancer" in this instance), and get a good snapshot of each.

       

      good luck!

      Patina
      Participant

      If your Dad will be in Los Angeles I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mike Wong and Dr. Peter Bosaberg.  They are at USC Los Angeles and The Angeles Clinic in Santa Monica.

      Both are specialists and have run and been apart of many trials. Dr. Bosaberg discovered that my Mom had brain mets AFTER a radiologist and two other doctors saw her. He was the only one to look at her MRI's. He does his homework and I like a guy who dots his i's and crosses his t's. – He saved my Mom and our family a lot of heartache.

      Dr. Mike Wong at USC is excellent and I couldn't have found a better doctor for my Mom. He has been treating her since last December and we have 100% confidence in him. He also has access to a tremendous amount of resources with USC.

      With your Dad, I would recommend that you make sure that any specialist you see looks at the MRI's/CT's and the reports. Always get a second opinion even in the middle of treatment, – It really makes a difference and you should keep all the reports on a thumb drive. I take it all with me and its been very helpful when we had to have a second opinion about some MRI's for my Mom's brain in April. 

      Also, ask about genetic testing. Being BRAF + gives you other options if one of your first options does not work.

      Good luck!

        killmel
        Participant

        I too would highly recommend Dr.O'Day at Beverly Hills Center. He never gives up on his patients. He is worl renown melanoma doctor.Plus the Beverly Hills Cancer Center gives you great patient treatment. It is not a huge facility like the hospitals medical centers like UCLA & UCSF> Here is is contact info:

         

        Dr. O'day does respond to his emails: soday@bhcancercenter.com

        The  Beverly Hills Cancer Center
        8900 Wilshire Blvd
        BH,CA 90211
        310-432-8900

        DZnDef
        Participant

        I am also a patient of Dr. O'Day.  I would higly recommend him.  He used to work at the Angeles Clinic (I believe he might have been a co-founder?) where they do many clinical trials.  He more recently moved to the Beverly Hills Cancer Center which has a nice interactive patient experience.  I have my CT scans done in the morning and Dr. O'Day reviews them with me the same afternoon.

        But I would certainly not discount the other names you've received on this list.  I have seen Dr. Ribas presentations and I have also heard great things about the other doctors recommended by Patina, but I have not seen those doctors myself.

        Best,

        Maggie

        DZnDef
        Participant

        I am also a patient of Dr. O'Day.  I would higly recommend him.  He used to work at the Angeles Clinic (I believe he might have been a co-founder?) where they do many clinical trials.  He more recently moved to the Beverly Hills Cancer Center which has a nice interactive patient experience.  I have my CT scans done in the morning and Dr. O'Day reviews them with me the same afternoon.

        But I would certainly not discount the other names you've received on this list.  I have seen Dr. Ribas presentations and I have also heard great things about the other doctors recommended by Patina, but I have not seen those doctors myself.

        Best,

        Maggie

        liam1209
        Participant

        Thank you for your response.  He is currently scheduled to see Dr. O'Day at Beverly Hills Cancer Center and Dr. Chmielowski who works closely with Dr. Ribas at UCLA in a couple of weeks.   Dr. Ribas is booked until mid september but will try to get in with him if possible.    

        liam1209
        Participant

        Thank you for your response.  He is currently scheduled to see Dr. O'Day at Beverly Hills Cancer Center and Dr. Chmielowski who works closely with Dr. Ribas at UCLA in a couple of weeks.   Dr. Ribas is booked until mid september but will try to get in with him if possible.    

        liam1209
        Participant

        Thank you for your response.  He is currently scheduled to see Dr. O'Day at Beverly Hills Cancer Center and Dr. Chmielowski who works closely with Dr. Ribas at UCLA in a couple of weeks.   Dr. Ribas is booked until mid september but will try to get in with him if possible.    

        DZnDef
        Participant

        I am also a patient of Dr. O'Day.  I would higly recommend him.  He used to work at the Angeles Clinic (I believe he might have been a co-founder?) where they do many clinical trials.  He more recently moved to the Beverly Hills Cancer Center which has a nice interactive patient experience.  I have my CT scans done in the morning and Dr. O'Day reviews them with me the same afternoon.

        But I would certainly not discount the other names you've received on this list.  I have seen Dr. Ribas presentations and I have also heard great things about the other doctors recommended by Patina, but I have not seen those doctors myself.

        Best,

        Maggie

        killmel
        Participant

        I too would highly recommend Dr.O'Day at Beverly Hills Center. He never gives up on his patients. He is worl renown melanoma doctor.Plus the Beverly Hills Cancer Center gives you great patient treatment. It is not a huge facility like the hospitals medical centers like UCLA & UCSF> Here is is contact info:

         

        Dr. O'day does respond to his emails: soday@bhcancercenter.com

        The  Beverly Hills Cancer Center
        8900 Wilshire Blvd
        BH,CA 90211
        310-432-8900

        killmel
        Participant

        I too would highly recommend Dr.O'Day at Beverly Hills Center. He never gives up on his patients. He is worl renown melanoma doctor.Plus the Beverly Hills Cancer Center gives you great patient treatment. It is not a huge facility like the hospitals medical centers like UCLA & UCSF> Here is is contact info:

         

        Dr. O'day does respond to his emails: soday@bhcancercenter.com

        The  Beverly Hills Cancer Center
        8900 Wilshire Blvd
        BH,CA 90211
        310-432-8900

      Patina
      Participant

      If your Dad will be in Los Angeles I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mike Wong and Dr. Peter Bosaberg.  They are at USC Los Angeles and The Angeles Clinic in Santa Monica.

      Both are specialists and have run and been apart of many trials. Dr. Bosaberg discovered that my Mom had brain mets AFTER a radiologist and two other doctors saw her. He was the only one to look at her MRI's. He does his homework and I like a guy who dots his i's and crosses his t's. – He saved my Mom and our family a lot of heartache.

      Dr. Mike Wong at USC is excellent and I couldn't have found a better doctor for my Mom. He has been treating her since last December and we have 100% confidence in him. He also has access to a tremendous amount of resources with USC.

      With your Dad, I would recommend that you make sure that any specialist you see looks at the MRI's/CT's and the reports. Always get a second opinion even in the middle of treatment, – It really makes a difference and you should keep all the reports on a thumb drive. I take it all with me and its been very helpful when we had to have a second opinion about some MRI's for my Mom's brain in April. 

      Also, ask about genetic testing. Being BRAF + gives you other options if one of your first options does not work.

      Good luck!

      Patina
      Participant

      If your Dad will be in Los Angeles I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Dr. Mike Wong and Dr. Peter Bosaberg.  They are at USC Los Angeles and The Angeles Clinic in Santa Monica.

      Both are specialists and have run and been apart of many trials. Dr. Bosaberg discovered that my Mom had brain mets AFTER a radiologist and two other doctors saw her. He was the only one to look at her MRI's. He does his homework and I like a guy who dots his i's and crosses his t's. – He saved my Mom and our family a lot of heartache.

      Dr. Mike Wong at USC is excellent and I couldn't have found a better doctor for my Mom. He has been treating her since last December and we have 100% confidence in him. He also has access to a tremendous amount of resources with USC.

      With your Dad, I would recommend that you make sure that any specialist you see looks at the MRI's/CT's and the reports. Always get a second opinion even in the middle of treatment, – It really makes a difference and you should keep all the reports on a thumb drive. I take it all with me and its been very helpful when we had to have a second opinion about some MRI's for my Mom's brain in April. 

      Also, ask about genetic testing. Being BRAF + gives you other options if one of your first options does not work.

      Good luck!

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