A little confused

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A little confused

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 8 years, 1 month ago by sgreenberg.

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- April 29, 2017 at 1:51 pm
- Quote
Macky
Participant
Hi,

My dad was diagnosed in July 2016 – in U.K. with fast growing nodular melanoma on forearm. He had WLE and Sentinel node biopsy which was negative. Also clear CT scans. He was given no breslow thickness/clarks level/miotic rate or even staging. I worked out for myself it was serious. The nodule was so large that he had 8x8cm WLE. Sent home "all clear".

Right enough 9 months later large lump under arm. Confirmed recurrent melanoma in the 2 biopsied nodes. By the time he got to surgery all nodes matted together and stuck to sweat glands and artery which was accidentally nicked in surgery and caused huge haematoma. Again CT scan clear. Again no staging.

I am pulling my hair out with worry knowing this will prob come back again quickly. But dad offered no options for treatment. He has never spoken to oncologist only a plastic surgeon. Is that normal?

Thanks for any replies.

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- - April 29, 2017 at 2:54 pm
  - Quote
  Janner
  Participant
  I'd say this is not normal. He should be seeing an oncologist. Ideally, a melanoma specialist but at least an oncologist. Staging – probably stage 3C with the matted nodes. Just because the CT doesn't show other tumors doesn't mean there aren't microscopic cells still around. You are right to want more direction and a doctor who actually deals with cancer on a regular basis. Not sure how to navigate your system but I do think you should be looking for another doctor to direct. In the US, he would most likely be offered Yervoy as an adjuvant treatment for stage III with no evidence of disease. You could also research clinical trials where other treatment options might be available (as well as docs who deal with melanoma all the time).
  
  Good luck!
  - April 30, 2017 at 7:54 am
    
    Quote
    sgreenberg
    Participant
    
    I agree. My wife was immediately referred to an oncologist when her malignant lymph node was discovered. Excision is NOT enough. Today there are plenty of adjuvant therapies that can potentially avoid progression like my wife suffered (brain mets from a primary sirte on her thigh). Here in Israel, where we have a similar public healthcare system, is wasn't a prob getting handed off to an onco. You should pursue this aggresively. Good luck!

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