New Member and confused

The markers mean nothing in regards to treatment.  Essentially, they are different "stains" used on the pathology slides.   If a tumor is positive for these different stains, it is justifying the diagnosis that this is a melanoma tumor.  These are for diagnostic purposes and not treatment related.

Is your wife being seen by a melanoma specialist?  Watch and wait isn't the typical scenario when you are stage IV and have active disease.  There are times a tumor may be left in place while doing a new treatment so it is easy to monitor if the treatment is effective.  That makes sense.  But at least to me, I would not be comfortable just watching and doing no treatment.  There are new drugs available for treatment melanoma as well as clinical trials.  I suggest doing more research on Yervoy (IPILIMUMAB), Zelboraf (for BRAF positive markers on a tumor), IL-2 (Interleukin 2) or any number of clinical trials available.  (www.clinicaltrials.gov).  I would definitely head to a larger cancer center and melanoma specialist if at all possible.  At the very least, request a second opinion.

Best wishes,

Janner

The markers mean nothing in regards to treatment.  Essentially, they are different "stains" used on the pathology slides.   If a tumor is positive for these different stains, it is justifying the diagnosis that this is a melanoma tumor.  These are for diagnostic purposes and not treatment related.

Is your wife being seen by a melanoma specialist?  Watch and wait isn't the typical scenario when you are stage IV and have active disease.  There are times a tumor may be left in place while doing a new treatment so it is easy to monitor if the treatment is effective.  That makes sense.  But at least to me, I would not be comfortable just watching and doing no treatment.  There are new drugs available for treatment melanoma as well as clinical trials.  I suggest doing more research on Yervoy (IPILIMUMAB), Zelboraf (for BRAF positive markers on a tumor), IL-2 (Interleukin 2) or any number of clinical trials available.  (www.clinicaltrials.gov).  I would definitely head to a larger cancer center and melanoma specialist if at all possible.  At the very least, request a second opinion.

Best wishes,

Janner

The markers mean nothing in regards to treatment.  Essentially, they are different "stains" used on the pathology slides.   If a tumor is positive for these different stains, it is justifying the diagnosis that this is a melanoma tumor.  These are for diagnostic purposes and not treatment related.

Is your wife being seen by a melanoma specialist?  Watch and wait isn't the typical scenario when you are stage IV and have active disease.  There are times a tumor may be left in place while doing a new treatment so it is easy to monitor if the treatment is effective.  That makes sense.  But at least to me, I would not be comfortable just watching and doing no treatment.  There are new drugs available for treatment melanoma as well as clinical trials.  I suggest doing more research on Yervoy (IPILIMUMAB), Zelboraf (for BRAF positive markers on a tumor), IL-2 (Interleukin 2) or any number of clinical trials available.  (www.clinicaltrials.gov).  I would definitely head to a larger cancer center and melanoma specialist if at all possible.  At the very least, request a second opinion.

Best wishes,

Janner

Janner is absolutely correct, as usual. "Watch and wait" is NOT the way to go with a Stage IV melanoma! You definitely need to get a consult with a melanoma specialist, preferably at a Melanoma Center of Excellence. Where are you located? 

Janner is absolutely correct, as usual. "Watch and wait" is NOT the way to go with a Stage IV melanoma! You definitely need to get a consult with a melanoma specialist, preferably at a Melanoma Center of Excellence. Where are you located? 

Janner is absolutely correct, as usual. "Watch and wait" is NOT the way to go with a Stage IV melanoma! You definitely need to get a consult with a melanoma specialist, preferably at a Melanoma Center of Excellence. Where are you located? 

Definitely seek a second opinion at a melanoma clinic/center of excellence. Based on what you just said, watch and wait doesn't sound right.

Definitely seek a second opinion at a melanoma clinic/center of excellence. Based on what you just said, watch and wait doesn't sound right.

Definitely seek a second opinion at a melanoma clinic/center of excellence. Based on what you just said, watch and wait doesn't sound right.

Agree with the others. To find a melanoma specialist, try the "Find the Right Doctor" list at the Aim at Melanoma web site: http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-answers/path-to-getting-a-diagnosis/finding-the-right-doctor.html It makes a huge difference to have an oncologist who specializes in melanoma, we've seen that here over and over.

One thing having unresected, still meausurable disease could do is help you to qualify you for a clinical trial. It's not clear that's what the intent was in your case, however, since you didn't mention that as an intent.

Agree with the others. To find a melanoma specialist, try the "Find the Right Doctor" list at the Aim at Melanoma web site: http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-answers/path-to-getting-a-diagnosis/finding-the-right-doctor.html It makes a huge difference to have an oncologist who specializes in melanoma, we've seen that here over and over.

One thing having unresected, still meausurable disease could do is help you to qualify you for a clinical trial. It's not clear that's what the intent was in your case, however, since you didn't mention that as an intent.

Agree with the others. To find a melanoma specialist, try the "Find the Right Doctor" list at the Aim at Melanoma web site: http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-answers/path-to-getting-a-diagnosis/finding-the-right-doctor.html It makes a huge difference to have an oncologist who specializes in melanoma, we've seen that here over and over.

One thing having unresected, still meausurable disease could do is help you to qualify you for a clinical trial. It's not clear that's what the intent was in your case, however, since you didn't mention that as an intent.