MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Newly Diagnosed, Stage III, looking for Melanoma specialist near Las Vegas NV
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Newly Diagnosed, Stage III, looking for Melanoma specialist near Las Vegas NV

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Newly Diagnosed, Stage III, looking for Melanoma specialist near Las Vegas NV

  • Post
    • November 3, 2017 at 2:09 am
    Harley Worthet
    Participant

      HI all.  

      Brand new guy, 1st post.  I'very been enjoying all the good info here for a few days now.  

      I didn't catch a nodal melanoma on back of head until it was quite advanced. (5.4 cm deep)  Got thru 2 courses of Yervoy, which caused colitus/internal bleeding that was so bad they had to infuse remecade.  

      During hospital admission for remecade I peeked at my chart when nobody was in the room, which showed details my oncologist had not shared with me, namely `mets to chest`.  This was a huge shock that set me reeling; That was 2 days ago & I decided not to tell my wife until tomorrow's Dr appt so as not to ruin our wedding anniversary.  

      Today the cancer center called to say my oncologist was now `indefinitely unavailable` (Very bad implications here) but we could still come in tomorrow & speak with their nurse practicioner.  I understand they`re trying to deal with the chaos of all those patients being dumped on the remaining Dr's but telling me it'l take 2 months to schedule another oncologist is not acceptable.

      Yervoy appears to be out of play & now there's no way to get a plan B. I'm keeping all this to myself while trying not to freak out. 

      I need to find another cancer center stat.  Anyone know of a good melanoma specialist in the Southern NV area?  

      Thanks so much in advance, 

      Mike 

    Viewing 6 reply threads
    • Replies
        • November 3, 2017 at 2:25 am
        Janner
        Participant

          The only melanoma specialist I'm aware of in LV is Wofram Samlowski.

            • November 3, 2017 at 4:58 am
            Harley Worthet
            Participant

              Thank you for the prompt reply Anon!  

              Pls understand that we really liked our Oncologist.  It`s just that he`s gone now & I feel like a kid who lost his daddy.  Time to settle down & soldier on.  

            • November 3, 2017 at 7:24 am
            jetdoctor67
            Participant

              Mike,

              Sorry to hear your recent diagnose and losing your oncologist.  I'm new here as well but there are many knowledgeable folks here that I bet can help.  Hope all works out.

              Terry

              • November 3, 2017 at 1:22 pm
              MichelleRHG
              Participant
                Keep in mind that many people travel to see a specialist so if that’s a possibility for you then you’d have more options. I live in Kentucky and get infusions here but fly to Houston for treatment plan, surgery, biopsies etc.
                • November 3, 2017 at 1:56 pm
                adrianc
                Participant

                  Hi Mike,

                  Understandably melanoma diagnosis is bad enough to deal with it lets alone losing your oncologist so soon but try to calm down and think in perspective.With possible met in the chest you have to likely travel  to see a melanoma specialst anyway. Have your tumor been tested for BRAF or any other gene mutations?Is the chest met surgically resectable or not?These are all questions you have to ask upon consultation with a melanoma specialist. If BRAF positive there is the targeted therapy , then there is immunotherapy if wild type /checkpoint inhibitors/.Find the link Bubble posted multiple times on all available treatments for metastatic melanoma.I think this link should be made available in the bar menu for any new patiens coming to this site to click on and read.Best of luck to you and please request a consultation with a melanoma center of excellence.

                  • November 3, 2017 at 9:41 pm
                  CindyJ
                  Participant

                    Hi Mike

                    We’re in Mesquite and go to St. George UT, over the border – Intermountain Southwest Cancer Center. We see Dr. Haslem, and though I don’t think he’s taking anymore patients, there are a group of Oncologists. We’re in a Genomics trial study through the Salt Lake City cancer center. They’re all connected. So far, we’re extremely impressed.

                      • November 3, 2017 at 10:28 pm
                      CancerSpouse
                      Participant

                        Hi Mike, I'm so sorry to hear about what you learned by looking at your charts and about your disappearing oncologist. Truly a pile on! It makes sense to consider the suggestion above to travel, and I'd like to suggest for your consideration coming to LA. UCLA's Jonnson Center is a short distance — although sometimes a long drive in LA traffic — from LAX. And that is not the only stellar option in LA for fighting melanoma. Check out the responses to my first post on 9/26 for other recommendations or ping me. — Carol

                         

                        • November 6, 2017 at 4:42 pm
                        cancersnewnormal
                        Participant

                          I've got to agree with Carol on Los Angeles being on the "consideration" pile. 🙂  For me, USC Norris is a 3.5 hour drive… but toooootally worth every minute in the car. 

                        • November 5, 2017 at 4:20 am
                        Cathy M
                        Participant
                          I see mentioned by others Wolfram Samlowski in the Vegas area. He is the only melanoma oncologist I’ve heard of in the Vegas area but I’ve also heard he is quite good.
                          Intermountain Cancer Centers is the term on Facebook if you’re connected for Southwest Regional Cancer Center in St George, Utah. Otherwise they’re phone is 435-688-4900. Dr Haslem and Dr Nadauld were my husband’s doctors. I can’t say enough good about that facility. If you’re interested to go there contact the office and ask to talk with a nurse navigator. They will assist you in getting an appointment or answering questions you may have and what they offer for Stage 3 or Stage 4. From there you would be assigned a regular medical oncologist. It may be suggested with your melanoma that you also consult with Dr. Lincoln Nadauld who is working with the genomics program or you may consult with Dr.Terence Rhodes who is heading the immuno program. Dr. Rhodes works with Imlygic too.
                          Regardless wherever you go you’ll need your records. I would suggest you go ahead and request a copy for yourself but if you’re going to check out St. George they might assist you.
                          Best wishes … and I also agree with you. Timing with melanoma is critical.
                          • November 7, 2017 at 2:51 am
                          Ridingaroundwith27Jennifers
                          Participant

                            So sorry to hear your situation.  I can't imagine losing my oncologist.  Waiting two months for the office to regroup just isn't OK.  I'm in the Boston area and se quite a few patients a Dana Farber who travel up the eastern seaboard for care.  Perhaps traveling to CA would be an option for you?  I know you don't want to upset your spouse but maybe having that support right now would be just the thing you need.  I know it isn't easy leaning on someone else when you are used to being strong and independant but if there ever was a time it would be now.  Over the past year I've leaned on my husband more than I ever imagined I would.  I'm just gaining my independance back fully and now he's trying to adjust.

                            Good wishes to you.

                            Jennifer

                        Viewing 6 reply threads
                        • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                        About the MRF Patient Forum

                        The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                        The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                        Popular Topics