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Melanoma Specialist in Chicago?

Forums General Melanoma Community Melanoma Specialist in Chicago?

  • Post
    LibbyinVA
    Participant

      I know of a very young woman in the Chicago area who desperately needs a melanoma specialist. She was dx'ed about 18-months ago and has had no follow-up care after her WLE. I should add she has very limited insurance with high co-pays. However, her mother is willing to help out and will do anything to get her daughter to realize it is crucial for her to continue to have follow-up checks. It's tough sometimes to get young people to grasp that melanoma is something you must stay on top of instead of thinking that surgery took care of everything.

      Thanks everyone!

      Libby (IIIb, NED 2006)

    Viewing 14 reply threads
    • Replies
        JC
        Participant

          What stage (obviously that dictates the type of follow up needed)?

           

           

          Dr. Howard Kaufmann recently left  Rush – he was a top specialist in Chicago

          Dr. Thomjas Gajewski – University of Chicago

          Dr. Jon Richards – Oncology Specialists – Niles office and Park ridge office.

          There are other Melanoma specialists out of Loyola, Evanston/Northshore hospital and a few others depending on what part of town .Dr.Bruce Brockstein at Evanston Northshore and Dr.Joseph Clark at Loyola .  

           

          JC
          Participant

            What stage (obviously that dictates the type of follow up needed)?

             

             

            Dr. Howard Kaufmann recently left  Rush – he was a top specialist in Chicago

            Dr. Thomjas Gajewski – University of Chicago

            Dr. Jon Richards – Oncology Specialists – Niles office and Park ridge office.

            There are other Melanoma specialists out of Loyola, Evanston/Northshore hospital and a few others depending on what part of town .Dr.Bruce Brockstein at Evanston Northshore and Dr.Joseph Clark at Loyola .  

             

            JC
            Participant

              What stage (obviously that dictates the type of follow up needed)?

               

               

              Dr. Howard Kaufmann recently left  Rush – he was a top specialist in Chicago

              Dr. Thomjas Gajewski – University of Chicago

              Dr. Jon Richards – Oncology Specialists – Niles office and Park ridge office.

              There are other Melanoma specialists out of Loyola, Evanston/Northshore hospital and a few others depending on what part of town .Dr.Bruce Brockstein at Evanston Northshore and Dr.Joseph Clark at Loyola .  

               

                LibbyinVA
                Participant

                  Sorry, her mother has very limited info and does not know the stage…will forward her your reply. Thanks so much for the quick response!

                  Libby

                  LibbyinVA
                  Participant

                    Sorry, her mother has very limited info and does not know the stage…will forward her your reply. Thanks so much for the quick response!

                    Libby

                    LibbyinVA
                    Participant

                      Sorry, her mother has very limited info and does not know the stage…will forward her your reply. Thanks so much for the quick response!

                      Libby

                    JC
                    Participant

                      Northwestern, Dr Kuzel

                      JC
                      Participant

                        Northwestern, Dr Kuzel

                          LibbyinVA
                          Participant

                            Thanks so much!

                            Libby

                            LibbyinVA
                            Participant

                              Thanks so much!

                              Libby

                              LibbyinVA
                              Participant

                                Thanks so much!

                                Libby

                                JoshF
                                Participant

                                  Does Kuzel specialize in melanoma? I know NWMH is great…nationally ranked in cancer…didn't think it was a melanoma center of excellence…good to know.

                                  JoshF
                                  Participant

                                    Does Kuzel specialize in melanoma? I know NWMH is great…nationally ranked in cancer…didn't think it was a melanoma center of excellence…good to know.

                                    JoshF
                                    Participant

                                      Does Kuzel specialize in melanoma? I know NWMH is great…nationally ranked in cancer…didn't think it was a melanoma center of excellence…good to know.

                                    JC
                                    Participant

                                      Northwestern, Dr Kuzel

                                      POW
                                      Participant

                                        Libby, I am impressed that you are such a good friend and have taken the time to search out this forum and ask for referrals. You're a good person!

                                        However, the type of follow up care this young woman needs and where she should get it depends on what stage of melanoma she has. Most people (patients as well as their friends and family) when they hear the word "melanoma" immediately start to panic and feel an urgent need to get treatment as soon as possible to keep the melanoma from coming back.  That is perfectly understandable but not usually necessary.

                                        If her diagnosis was melanoma-in-situ, or Stage I or Stage II, she doesn't really need a melanoma oncologist now; most of them probably won't even see her. That's because at those early stages, the chances of the melanoma ever coming back are very slight and there are no treatments recommended for those early stages, anyway. Basically, it's "Thank your lucky stars and remain vigilant." If she is a Stage III or Stage IV (which can not be determined only from a WLE), then she should see a melanoma oncologist. 

                                        Any diagnosis of any melanoma needs appropriate follow-up care. But the type and intensity of that care depends entirely on the diagnosis written in the original pathology report and any follow-up tests and scans. If you can find out the original diagnosis and official "stage" of her melanoma, we will be able to help you find the appropriate resources.

                                        POW
                                        Participant

                                          Libby, I am impressed that you are such a good friend and have taken the time to search out this forum and ask for referrals. You're a good person!

                                          However, the type of follow up care this young woman needs and where she should get it depends on what stage of melanoma she has. Most people (patients as well as their friends and family) when they hear the word "melanoma" immediately start to panic and feel an urgent need to get treatment as soon as possible to keep the melanoma from coming back.  That is perfectly understandable but not usually necessary.

                                          If her diagnosis was melanoma-in-situ, or Stage I or Stage II, she doesn't really need a melanoma oncologist now; most of them probably won't even see her. That's because at those early stages, the chances of the melanoma ever coming back are very slight and there are no treatments recommended for those early stages, anyway. Basically, it's "Thank your lucky stars and remain vigilant." If she is a Stage III or Stage IV (which can not be determined only from a WLE), then she should see a melanoma oncologist. 

                                          Any diagnosis of any melanoma needs appropriate follow-up care. But the type and intensity of that care depends entirely on the diagnosis written in the original pathology report and any follow-up tests and scans. If you can find out the original diagnosis and official "stage" of her melanoma, we will be able to help you find the appropriate resources.

                                          POW
                                          Participant

                                            Libby, I am impressed that you are such a good friend and have taken the time to search out this forum and ask for referrals. You're a good person!

                                            However, the type of follow up care this young woman needs and where she should get it depends on what stage of melanoma she has. Most people (patients as well as their friends and family) when they hear the word "melanoma" immediately start to panic and feel an urgent need to get treatment as soon as possible to keep the melanoma from coming back.  That is perfectly understandable but not usually necessary.

                                            If her diagnosis was melanoma-in-situ, or Stage I or Stage II, she doesn't really need a melanoma oncologist now; most of them probably won't even see her. That's because at those early stages, the chances of the melanoma ever coming back are very slight and there are no treatments recommended for those early stages, anyway. Basically, it's "Thank your lucky stars and remain vigilant." If she is a Stage III or Stage IV (which can not be determined only from a WLE), then she should see a melanoma oncologist. 

                                            Any diagnosis of any melanoma needs appropriate follow-up care. But the type and intensity of that care depends entirely on the diagnosis written in the original pathology report and any follow-up tests and scans. If you can find out the original diagnosis and official "stage" of her melanoma, we will be able to help you find the appropriate resources.

                                              JoshF
                                              Participant

                                                Really? They won't see her? Where do you come off with your advice and what a "melanoma" oncologist would do. "Thank your lucky stars"…unbelievable

                                                JoshF
                                                Participant

                                                  Really? They won't see her? Where do you come off with your advice and what a "melanoma" oncologist would do. "Thank your lucky stars"…unbelievable

                                                  JoshF
                                                  Participant

                                                    Really? They won't see her? Where do you come off with your advice and what a "melanoma" oncologist would do. "Thank your lucky stars"…unbelievable

                                                    POW
                                                    Participant

                                                      Actually, that is exactly what happened to me– not with melanoma but with breast cancer. I had a biopsy done at a breast cancer specialty clinic that came back "ductal carcinoma in situ". I wanted to consult with the oncologist before I agreed to a lumpectomy and the clinic director said that wasn't necessary. They only involved the oncologists for metastatic carcinoma. Of course, I protested but he was firm. I could have gone to another oncologist but without a referral from the surgeon my insurance company wouldn't cover it. I would have had to pay for the consult and any tests myself which I couldn't afford at the time. It does happen. 

                                                      POW
                                                      Participant

                                                        Actually, that is exactly what happened to me– not with melanoma but with breast cancer. I had a biopsy done at a breast cancer specialty clinic that came back "ductal carcinoma in situ". I wanted to consult with the oncologist before I agreed to a lumpectomy and the clinic director said that wasn't necessary. They only involved the oncologists for metastatic carcinoma. Of course, I protested but he was firm. I could have gone to another oncologist but without a referral from the surgeon my insurance company wouldn't cover it. I would have had to pay for the consult and any tests myself which I couldn't afford at the time. It does happen. 

                                                        POW
                                                        Participant

                                                          Actually, that is exactly what happened to me– not with melanoma but with breast cancer. I had a biopsy done at a breast cancer specialty clinic that came back "ductal carcinoma in situ". I wanted to consult with the oncologist before I agreed to a lumpectomy and the clinic director said that wasn't necessary. They only involved the oncologists for metastatic carcinoma. Of course, I protested but he was firm. I could have gone to another oncologist but without a referral from the surgeon my insurance company wouldn't cover it. I would have had to pay for the consult and any tests myself which I couldn't afford at the time. It does happen. 

                                                          Maureen038
                                                          Participant

                                                            I don't think Pat was doing anything, but trying to be helpful. Everyone here is just sharing their own experience. I didn't see any malicious intent with her statements. She has a PhD in biochemistry and she lost her brother to this dreadful disease. I believe her husband also has an beginning stage of melanoma. I appreciate her advice because some of it is over my head. Let's try to support each other. Melanoma is a disease that is difficult enough to deal with so let's try our best to be helpful. If you disagree with something that's fine with me, but I think you are misreading her posts and intentions.

                                                            maureen

                                                            Maureen038
                                                            Participant

                                                              I don't think Pat was doing anything, but trying to be helpful. Everyone here is just sharing their own experience. I didn't see any malicious intent with her statements. She has a PhD in biochemistry and she lost her brother to this dreadful disease. I believe her husband also has an beginning stage of melanoma. I appreciate her advice because some of it is over my head. Let's try to support each other. Melanoma is a disease that is difficult enough to deal with so let's try our best to be helpful. If you disagree with something that's fine with me, but I think you are misreading her posts and intentions.

                                                              maureen

                                                              Maureen038
                                                              Participant

                                                                I don't think Pat was doing anything, but trying to be helpful. Everyone here is just sharing their own experience. I didn't see any malicious intent with her statements. She has a PhD in biochemistry and she lost her brother to this dreadful disease. I believe her husband also has an beginning stage of melanoma. I appreciate her advice because some of it is over my head. Let's try to support each other. Melanoma is a disease that is difficult enough to deal with so let's try our best to be helpful. If you disagree with something that's fine with me, but I think you are misreading her posts and intentions.

                                                                maureen

                                                              Prd10
                                                              Participant

                                                                Hi Libby,

                                                                I was a 28 yr old female when I was diagnosed as stage 3 and had no idea what was ahead of me.  I think you and her mom are right to be concerned.

                                                                To answer your question, I am seeing Dr. Kuzel at Northwestern.  I used to see Dr. Kaufman at Rush so this is a new relationship, but so far I would recommend him.  Northwestern is a great hospital, and while it is true that he also specializes in other types of cancer, he is very involved in research.  Dr. Richards at Lutheran general comes highly recommended but I haven't personally seen him.

                                                                Now with that being said, I have an idea.  Maybe you can suggest that she go see Dr. Martini at the Northwestern pigmented lesion clinic. It would definitely not be as overwhelming as seeing an oncologist.  When I went to Dr. Kuzel he was very informative and did a check for lymph nodes but since I wasn't due for scans it was a really expensive "get to know ya" session.  Dr. Martini would give at least a thorough full body exam and then if necessary refer to Dr. Kuzel.  Just my opinion.  I agree that stage of course matters, and when I called Northwestern they did have to check with the Dr first to see if he would even see me.  

                                                                Prd10
                                                                Participant

                                                                  Hi Libby,

                                                                  I was a 28 yr old female when I was diagnosed as stage 3 and had no idea what was ahead of me.  I think you and her mom are right to be concerned.

                                                                  To answer your question, I am seeing Dr. Kuzel at Northwestern.  I used to see Dr. Kaufman at Rush so this is a new relationship, but so far I would recommend him.  Northwestern is a great hospital, and while it is true that he also specializes in other types of cancer, he is very involved in research.  Dr. Richards at Lutheran general comes highly recommended but I haven't personally seen him.

                                                                  Now with that being said, I have an idea.  Maybe you can suggest that she go see Dr. Martini at the Northwestern pigmented lesion clinic. It would definitely not be as overwhelming as seeing an oncologist.  When I went to Dr. Kuzel he was very informative and did a check for lymph nodes but since I wasn't due for scans it was a really expensive "get to know ya" session.  Dr. Martini would give at least a thorough full body exam and then if necessary refer to Dr. Kuzel.  Just my opinion.  I agree that stage of course matters, and when I called Northwestern they did have to check with the Dr first to see if he would even see me.  

                                                                  Prd10
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    Hi Libby,

                                                                    I was a 28 yr old female when I was diagnosed as stage 3 and had no idea what was ahead of me.  I think you and her mom are right to be concerned.

                                                                    To answer your question, I am seeing Dr. Kuzel at Northwestern.  I used to see Dr. Kaufman at Rush so this is a new relationship, but so far I would recommend him.  Northwestern is a great hospital, and while it is true that he also specializes in other types of cancer, he is very involved in research.  Dr. Richards at Lutheran general comes highly recommended but I haven't personally seen him.

                                                                    Now with that being said, I have an idea.  Maybe you can suggest that she go see Dr. Martini at the Northwestern pigmented lesion clinic. It would definitely not be as overwhelming as seeing an oncologist.  When I went to Dr. Kuzel he was very informative and did a check for lymph nodes but since I wasn't due for scans it was a really expensive "get to know ya" session.  Dr. Martini would give at least a thorough full body exam and then if necessary refer to Dr. Kuzel.  Just my opinion.  I agree that stage of course matters, and when I called Northwestern they did have to check with the Dr first to see if he would even see me.  

                                                                    LibbyinVA
                                                                    Participant

                                                                      THANKS so much to all who replied. I will pass all the information onto her mother and let them decide how the would like to proceed.

                                                                      Once again, you wonderful people came through for me!

                                                                      All the best,

                                                                      -Libby

                                                                      LibbyinVA
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        THANKS so much to all who replied. I will pass all the information onto her mother and let them decide how the would like to proceed.

                                                                        Once again, you wonderful people came through for me!

                                                                        All the best,

                                                                        -Libby

                                                                        LibbyinVA
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          THANKS so much to all who replied. I will pass all the information onto her mother and let them decide how the would like to proceed.

                                                                          Once again, you wonderful people came through for me!

                                                                          All the best,

                                                                          -Libby

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