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Advise on second opinion on need for treatment
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Advise on second opinion on need for treatment

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Advise on second opinion on need for treatment

  • Post
    • May 13, 2015 at 2:58 am
    khimes
    Participant

      I was diagnosed with stage 2 March 2015. 

      I had a breslow depth of 2.9, clarks level IV, and a mitoitc index of 12. I don't know if anything else is important from the path reports.

      My treatment was a sentinal node biopsy, followed by a wide local excison. (University of Michigan Cancer Center.)

      The two nodes removed came back negative and my margins are clear.

      My surgon says that is all I need for treatment. 

      I am asking for comments or insight if this is ok or should I pursure other treament or scans.

      Feeling relieved but also still a bit unsettled.

       

      Thanks!!

       

    Viewing 11 reply threads
    • Replies
        • May 13, 2015 at 4:09 am
        Momrn5
        Participant

          I was treated at University of Michigan with 3a.  I had to ASK to be referred to an oncologist after surgery.  With your high Mitoitic rate, I would elect to be followed by an Oncologist.  Good luck to you!

          • May 13, 2015 at 4:09 am
          Momrn5
          Participant

            I was treated at University of Michigan with 3a.  I had to ASK to be referred to an oncologist after surgery.  With your high Mitoitic rate, I would elect to be followed by an Oncologist.  Good luck to you!

            • May 13, 2015 at 4:09 am
            Momrn5
            Participant

              I was treated at University of Michigan with 3a.  I had to ASK to be referred to an oncologist after surgery.  With your high Mitoitic rate, I would elect to be followed by an Oncologist.  Good luck to you!

              • May 13, 2015 at 11:08 am
              Thandster
              Participant

                I was also treated for stage 3A at U of M. I didn't have to ask to be referred to the oncologist, but I'm sure if you let him know that you are potentially interested in interferon or a possible trial for stage 2 adjuvant treatment that he would refer you. Spend some time looking at stage 2 trials and see if there are any that interest you so when you talk to him or the oncologist  you have some good questions. 

                But also, just getting a second opinion is a completely legit thing to do. In Michigan there is also Karmanos and in GR a melanoma clinic or I would probably go to Chicago for a second opinion. You could probably just have all your info sent to them for review to see what they would recommend.

                Good luck and God Bless!

                  • May 19, 2015 at 12:48 pm
                  khimes
                  Participant

                    Peter thanks for your thoughts!  Do you have a suggestion for Melanoma Clinic in Chicago?

                    • May 19, 2015 at 12:48 pm
                    khimes
                    Participant

                      Peter thanks for your thoughts!  Do you have a suggestion for Melanoma Clinic in Chicago?

                      • May 19, 2015 at 12:48 pm
                      khimes
                      Participant

                        Peter thanks for your thoughts!  Do you have a suggestion for Melanoma Clinic in Chicago?

                      • May 13, 2015 at 11:08 am
                      Thandster
                      Participant

                        I was also treated for stage 3A at U of M. I didn't have to ask to be referred to the oncologist, but I'm sure if you let him know that you are potentially interested in interferon or a possible trial for stage 2 adjuvant treatment that he would refer you. Spend some time looking at stage 2 trials and see if there are any that interest you so when you talk to him or the oncologist  you have some good questions. 

                        But also, just getting a second opinion is a completely legit thing to do. In Michigan there is also Karmanos and in GR a melanoma clinic or I would probably go to Chicago for a second opinion. You could probably just have all your info sent to them for review to see what they would recommend.

                        Good luck and God Bless!

                        • May 13, 2015 at 11:08 am
                        Thandster
                        Participant

                          I was also treated for stage 3A at U of M. I didn't have to ask to be referred to the oncologist, but I'm sure if you let him know that you are potentially interested in interferon or a possible trial for stage 2 adjuvant treatment that he would refer you. Spend some time looking at stage 2 trials and see if there are any that interest you so when you talk to him or the oncologist  you have some good questions. 

                          But also, just getting a second opinion is a completely legit thing to do. In Michigan there is also Karmanos and in GR a melanoma clinic or I would probably go to Chicago for a second opinion. You could probably just have all your info sent to them for review to see what they would recommend.

                          Good luck and God Bless!

                          • May 13, 2015 at 9:15 pm
                          khimes
                          Participant

                            Thanks,  I am thinking of look at IU Medcenter for a second opinion.

                            • May 13, 2015 at 9:15 pm
                            khimes
                            Participant

                              Thanks,  I am thinking of look at IU Medcenter for a second opinion.

                              • May 13, 2015 at 9:15 pm
                              khimes
                              Participant

                                Thanks,  I am thinking of look at IU Medcenter for a second opinion.

                                • May 15, 2015 at 12:53 am
                                ncdaniel
                                Participant

                                  I would recomend you see Dr. Lao at U ofM. Excellent melanoma specialist at U of M. My wife was at U of M for care. There doctors are excellent.

                                  • May 15, 2015 at 12:53 am
                                  ncdaniel
                                  Participant

                                    I would recomend you see Dr. Lao at U ofM. Excellent melanoma specialist at U of M. My wife was at U of M for care. There doctors are excellent.

                                    • May 15, 2015 at 12:53 am
                                    ncdaniel
                                    Participant

                                      I would recomend you see Dr. Lao at U ofM. Excellent melanoma specialist at U of M. My wife was at U of M for care. There doctors are excellent.

                                        • May 17, 2015 at 5:45 pm
                                        jpg
                                        Participant

                                          I would not ask for interferon as it doesn't extend survival.  Watch and wait is what we have for stage III right now.  Your doc is correct.

                                          • May 17, 2015 at 5:45 pm
                                          jpg
                                          Participant

                                            I would not ask for interferon as it doesn't extend survival.  Watch and wait is what we have for stage III right now.  Your doc is correct.

                                            • May 17, 2015 at 5:45 pm
                                            jpg
                                            Participant

                                              I would not ask for interferon as it doesn't extend survival.  Watch and wait is what we have for stage III right now.  Your doc is correct.

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