CancerCompass message board discussion started by VINEYARD on 2/13/2008 http://www.cancercompass.com/message-board/message/all,20927,0.htm Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/ I just had a malignant melanoma tumor removed and a Sentinal Node Biopsy which came back positive.  I am scheduled for a Pet Scan and then surgery within two to three weeks to remove the lymph nodes in the groin.  I want to go for a second opinion - should I go to a major Cancer Center like Sloan Kettering or just another Surgical Oncologist? VINEYARD Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I think that going to a major cancer center, like Memorial Sloan Kettering, is invaluable.  They have seen it all and have experts in everything. Stefhef Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/14/2008 Stefhef wrote:I think that going to a major cancer center, like Memorial Sloan Kettering, is invaluable.  They have seen it all and have experts in everything.Thank you for your input.  I have decided that would be the best course for me.  I'm not happy with the doctor who did the first surgery.  When I went for the after surgery check up he looked at the one incision and totally forgot the other.  I had to tell him to stop removing his gloves since there was one more cut!!  He was evasive when I asked about the 2nd lymph node biopsy; said he didn't have it and when I asked what stage I am he said "That won't be of any help".  I have called Sloan and luckily they will take my insurance.  God Bless. VINEYARD Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT I have a 15 year old daughter who has been through this same route.  She had her toe amputated, SNB was positive (micromets.), scans, etc.,  LND in December (all negative).  Her doctor wants her to start INF therapy.  We went to Sloan for a second opinion and we were told if she was a patient there, they would not put her on INF.  She would be monitored with scans and a dermatologist and if we want she can go on a waiting list for a vaccine that is in clinical trials right now.  They stated that INF is still an option for us if we want,  However, we value their opinion and if they would not use it, we most definitely will not.  I don't think all cases are the same, therefire, it is great that you will get another opinion at such a wonderful hospital.Good Luck mother3 Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT  On 2/17/2008 mother3 wrote:I have a 15 year old daughter who has been through this same route.  She had her toe amputated, SNB was positive (micromets.), scans, etc.,  LND in December (all negative).  Her doctor wants her to start INF therapy.  We went to Sloan for a second opinion and we were told if she was a patient there, they would not put her on INF.  She would be monitored with scans and a dermatologist and if we want she can go on a waiting list for a vaccine that is in clinical trials right now.  They stated that INF is still an option for us if we want,  However, we value their opinion and if they would not use it, we most definitely will not.  I don't think all cases are the same, therefire, it is great that you will get another opinion at such a wonderful hospital.Good LuckThank you for responding to my query?  It is good to have such a positive response about Sloan Kettering.  I had been told not to go there because it is such a large hospital and the wait could be 2-3 hours and you are just a number.  In spite of this; they have the specialists and treat so many that gives them an edge that a local doctor cannnot get.  All good wishes to you and best of luck to your precious daughter.  God Bless.  Joanne VINEYARD Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Best of luck to you!!  Let us know how it goes. Stefhef Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT