Thank you, Celeste, – a real hometown girl! I’ve lived in AL all my life and have been coming to Gulf Shores since the 70’s before moving down permanently ten years ago. It’s really changed around here. Lots of growth.
Thank you for responding so quickly. When I was searching the forums earlier today, I came across a link for your blog. I read your specialist list. No one near here, but excellent info. I especially appreciate your suggestion to have your oncologist seek the opinion of those experts.
My brother is starting the Yervoy/Opdivo combo within a month. Currently, he receives his Keytruda immunotherapy at a small clinic in his hometown. I’m sure Yervoy/Opdivo is conveniently available near Gulf Shores as well.
How often does a melanoma patient need to see their specialist? If it were me, I would be willing to drive to UAB from Gulf Shores, around a 5-hour drive. They are renowned. But my brother expressed that he would rather stay in Jasper to be nearer UAB about an hour away from him. I want to find a specialist closer to Gulf Shores to give him an incentive to stick to his plan to move here since he does not seem to be receptive to the possibility of such a long drive. My concern is that if his health does go downhill, he and his wife will need even more help and support than they do now. Down here they will be surrounded by friends, family, and grandchildren who love and support them. They do not have that kind of support where they currently live. It is probably a 5 ½ to 6-hour drive to his home for me.
We are praying that the immunotherapy works and surgery won’t be necessary but would like to be prepared if it is. Marcia
