Melanoma specialist in OH

Getting an eye exam once is probably fine, I have never been told to get another eye exam after getting one right after my diagnosis. It would be incredibly rare and I don't know if it has ever actually happened where someone with cutaneous melanoma later gets ocular melanoma. It's a very rare type of melanoma, but doesn't hurt to get one eye exam to make sure the eyes look ok.

I Googled the names you listed and one is a plastic surgeon, the other two are oncologists. You could call the ocologists offices and ask them if they have a melanoma derm there or a phone number for one in the area or at their facility.

It's good the derm used a dermatoscope, that gives them a much better idea whether the mole looks suspicious from the outside. 

My derm told me that if I were to get a second primary it would appear similarly to the one I had, so I keep that in mind when I check my own skin. 

I know I've heard mixed opinions about when it's "safe" to get pregnant after a mel diagnosis. I think the lower stage the lesion, the less worrisome a doc would be. But, doesn't hurt to call around and see if you can find a melanoma dermatologist who might have an opinion on that for you so you can make a decision. I am anxiously waiting NED status and hoping to keep it around a few years so I can hopefully try and get pregnant before I turn 40.. but I just have to leave it up to the universe 🙂

Here is Cleavland Clinic's site for their melanoma program I would call them and ask book an appointment with a mel derm.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/dermatology-plastic-surgery/departments-centers/plastic-surgery/melanoma-program

Here is Cleavland Clinic's site for their melanoma program I would call them and ask book an appointment with a mel derm.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/dermatology-plastic-surgery/departments-centers/plastic-surgery/melanoma-program

Thank you, you too!

Thank you, you too!

Thank you, you too!

Here is Cleavland Clinic's site for their melanoma program I would call them and ask book an appointment with a mel derm.

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/dermatology-plastic-surgery/departments-centers/plastic-surgery/melanoma-program

Getting an eye exam once is probably fine, I have never been told to get another eye exam after getting one right after my diagnosis. It would be incredibly rare and I don't know if it has ever actually happened where someone with cutaneous melanoma later gets ocular melanoma. It's a very rare type of melanoma, but doesn't hurt to get one eye exam to make sure the eyes look ok.

I Googled the names you listed and one is a plastic surgeon, the other two are oncologists. You could call the ocologists offices and ask them if they have a melanoma derm there or a phone number for one in the area or at their facility.

It's good the derm used a dermatoscope, that gives them a much better idea whether the mole looks suspicious from the outside. 

My derm told me that if I were to get a second primary it would appear similarly to the one I had, so I keep that in mind when I check my own skin. 

I know I've heard mixed opinions about when it's "safe" to get pregnant after a mel diagnosis. I think the lower stage the lesion, the less worrisome a doc would be. But, doesn't hurt to call around and see if you can find a melanoma dermatologist who might have an opinion on that for you so you can make a decision. I am anxiously waiting NED status and hoping to keep it around a few years so I can hopefully try and get pregnant before I turn 40.. but I just have to leave it up to the universe 🙂

Getting an eye exam once is probably fine, I have never been told to get another eye exam after getting one right after my diagnosis. It would be incredibly rare and I don't know if it has ever actually happened where someone with cutaneous melanoma later gets ocular melanoma. It's a very rare type of melanoma, but doesn't hurt to get one eye exam to make sure the eyes look ok.

I Googled the names you listed and one is a plastic surgeon, the other two are oncologists. You could call the ocologists offices and ask them if they have a melanoma derm there or a phone number for one in the area or at their facility.

It's good the derm used a dermatoscope, that gives them a much better idea whether the mole looks suspicious from the outside. 

My derm told me that if I were to get a second primary it would appear similarly to the one I had, so I keep that in mind when I check my own skin. 

I know I've heard mixed opinions about when it's "safe" to get pregnant after a mel diagnosis. I think the lower stage the lesion, the less worrisome a doc would be. But, doesn't hurt to call around and see if you can find a melanoma dermatologist who might have an opinion on that for you so you can make a decision. I am anxiously waiting NED status and hoping to keep it around a few years so I can hopefully try and get pregnant before I turn 40.. but I just have to leave it up to the universe 🙂

I am just now seeing this post. Was just checking to see if you were able to get established with a physician ? I am a melanoma patient and live in Cincinnati. Dr. Leming is a very good oncologist specializing in melanoma, although luckily it does not sound like you will need one wtih a Stage1A! If you need a good surgical oncologist to follow with, I recommend Jeffrey Sussman. He has performed several surgeries on me and is very good. I also would recommend getting your eyes checked with an opthalmolic oncologist. They would know more about what to look for when it comes to melanoma . I followed with one that just retired at UC Medical Center, but I have heard the physiican that took over is very good too. His name is Basil Williams.
Again, I know it’s late in posting this response. I hope that you have been doing well since this was posted!

I was diagnosed in June of 2015 with 1A melanoma behind my ear on my scalp. I was referred by my dermotologist to a medical oncologist who saw me and then referred me to a plastic surgeon for my surgery that specialized in melanoma and skin grafting.  Since that time, I have continued to be seen by my medical oncologist every three months for the first year having skin checks, chest xrays and bloodwork, I have now moved to every four months and after my next check in February I will move to every six months. So it is not out of the question to be seen by an oncologist even at stage 1A.  I am in the Pittsburgh area and see Dr. Kirklands group at Hillman Cancer Center with UPMC. I cannot refer you to any one in Ohio but wanted you to know that being seen by an oncologist is a possibility.

I was diagnosed in June of 2015 with 1A melanoma behind my ear on my scalp. I was referred by my dermotologist to a medical oncologist who saw me and then referred me to a plastic surgeon for my surgery that specialized in melanoma and skin grafting.  Since that time, I have continued to be seen by my medical oncologist every three months for the first year having skin checks, chest xrays and bloodwork, I have now moved to every four months and after my next check in February I will move to every six months. So it is not out of the question to be seen by an oncologist even at stage 1A.  I am in the Pittsburgh area and see Dr. Kirklands group at Hillman Cancer Center with UPMC. I cannot refer you to any one in Ohio but wanted you to know that being seen by an oncologist is a possibility.

I was diagnosed in June of 2015 with 1A melanoma behind my ear on my scalp. I was referred by my dermotologist to a medical oncologist who saw me and then referred me to a plastic surgeon for my surgery that specialized in melanoma and skin grafting.  Since that time, I have continued to be seen by my medical oncologist every three months for the first year having skin checks, chest xrays and bloodwork, I have now moved to every four months and after my next check in February I will move to every six months. So it is not out of the question to be seen by an oncologist even at stage 1A.  I am in the Pittsburgh area and see Dr. Kirklands group at Hillman Cancer Center with UPMC. I cannot refer you to any one in Ohio but wanted you to know that being seen by an oncologist is a possibility.

I will say though, that xrays and bloodwork are very out of the ordinary for stage 1A. Blood work is pointless, not really sure what they are looking for in that regard. The only reason I get blood work done is because I am on immunotherapy and my oncologist needs to know if the drugs are making parts of my body off balance or not. If I was not on treatment, even at stage 3 I wouldn't get any regular bloodwork done. Seems like they're just enjoying taking your money.. But I totally understand if it makes you feel more comfortable with such stringent follow ups, just don't want others to think they will get the same thing elsewhere. Dr. Kirkwood is also Mr. Interferon…. and we all know interferon is crap these days, but he still tries to give it to patients… just doesn't sit well with me when it comes to fully trusting their recommendations.

All the best,

I will say though, that xrays and bloodwork are very out of the ordinary for stage 1A. Blood work is pointless, not really sure what they are looking for in that regard. The only reason I get blood work done is because I am on immunotherapy and my oncologist needs to know if the drugs are making parts of my body off balance or not. If I was not on treatment, even at stage 3 I wouldn't get any regular bloodwork done. Seems like they're just enjoying taking your money.. But I totally understand if it makes you feel more comfortable with such stringent follow ups, just don't want others to think they will get the same thing elsewhere. Dr. Kirkwood is also Mr. Interferon…. and we all know interferon is crap these days, but he still tries to give it to patients… just doesn't sit well with me when it comes to fully trusting their recommendations.

All the best,

I will say though, that xrays and bloodwork are very out of the ordinary for stage 1A. Blood work is pointless, not really sure what they are looking for in that regard. The only reason I get blood work done is because I am on immunotherapy and my oncologist needs to know if the drugs are making parts of my body off balance or not. If I was not on treatment, even at stage 3 I wouldn't get any regular bloodwork done. Seems like they're just enjoying taking your money.. But I totally understand if it makes you feel more comfortable with such stringent follow ups, just don't want others to think they will get the same thing elsewhere. Dr. Kirkwood is also Mr. Interferon…. and we all know interferon is crap these days, but he still tries to give it to patients… just doesn't sit well with me when it comes to fully trusting their recommendations.

All the best,

I have insurance that does not disagree with paying my visit costs except for my $20 copay so I don't lose anything. I wish that I was as confident as you in judging what other places do with their patients.  I was just saying that I do have a medical oncologist and I am stage 1A, also the need to bash where I was treated was not necessary at all. I have followed these boards since I was diagnosed and just joined to say what I said but I see that different opinions must not be alright with some of you. I will go back to just being a lurker. Perhaps you should not be so judgemental and if you have not been treated by anyone in particular not bash them either. Your opinion is just that, not fact.

I have insurance that does not disagree with paying my visit costs except for my $20 copay so I don't lose anything. I wish that I was as confident as you in judging what other places do with their patients.  I was just saying that I do have a medical oncologist and I am stage 1A, also the need to bash where I was treated was not necessary at all. I have followed these boards since I was diagnosed and just joined to say what I said but I see that different opinions must not be alright with some of you. I will go back to just being a lurker. Perhaps you should not be so judgemental and if you have not been treated by anyone in particular not bash them either. Your opinion is just that, not fact.

I truely appologize, I did not mean to offend you. I just wanted to explain that what you are getting is not the standard of care, it is above and beyond and that's totally fine since that's what you're comfortable with. Just want other 1A folk to understand that as well. Only judgemental about Dr. Kirkwood based on his reputation around here, but it really doesn't effect those under stage 3 so I appologize for bringing it up here.

Sincerely I wish you the best and mean no offense or judgement toward you.

I truely appologize, I did not mean to offend you. I just wanted to explain that what you are getting is not the standard of care, it is above and beyond and that's totally fine since that's what you're comfortable with. Just want other 1A folk to understand that as well. Only judgemental about Dr. Kirkwood based on his reputation around here, but it really doesn't effect those under stage 3 so I appologize for bringing it up here.

Sincerely I wish you the best and mean no offense or judgement toward you.

I truely appologize, I did not mean to offend you. I just wanted to explain that what you are getting is not the standard of care, it is above and beyond and that's totally fine since that's what you're comfortable with. Just want other 1A folk to understand that as well. Only judgemental about Dr. Kirkwood based on his reputation around here, but it really doesn't effect those under stage 3 so I appologize for bringing it up here.

Sincerely I wish you the best and mean no offense or judgement toward you.

I have insurance that does not disagree with paying my visit costs except for my $20 copay so I don't lose anything. I wish that I was as confident as you in judging what other places do with their patients.  I was just saying that I do have a medical oncologist and I am stage 1A, also the need to bash where I was treated was not necessary at all. I have followed these boards since I was diagnosed and just joined to say what I said but I see that different opinions must not be alright with some of you. I will go back to just being a lurker. Perhaps you should not be so judgemental and if you have not been treated by anyone in particular not bash them either. Your opinion is just that, not fact.