Preparing for Your Melanoma Doctor's Visit

Not only can a melanoma diagnosis be overwhelming, the numerous doctor visits for melanoma can appear even more complicated. A few steps will help you feel less overwhelmed:

• Prepare for each of your doctor’s visits.
• Take good notes between visits to help you remember questions and concerns to bring to your doctor’s attention—writing down questions, medications, pain levels, and overall feelings can also be helpful. 
• Due to the large amount of information you will receive during each visit, it may be helpful to bring a friend or family member with you. Ask questions, be sure you understand the answers, and most importantly, be your own advocate. 

Questions to ask your melanoma treatment team:

1. Do you know what stage of melanoma I have?
2. Do you know what my Clark’s Level is?
3. Do you know what my Breslow Measurement is?
4. Do I need a biopsy?  What is this process like?  Will I have a scar?
5. When will I know the results?
6. What are my treatment options?
7. Have you checked my body for other possible lesions?
8. Which treatment plan do you recommend and why?
9. What are the risks and side effects?
10. Will I be able to continue my normal daily life?
11. What type of follow-up will I need?
12. What are the chances that I will develop a new melanoma?
13. How will we determine if the cancer has spread?
14. Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes?
15. Do I need a sentinel lymph node biopsy?
16. Should I get a second opinion?
17. Should I begin looking at clinical trials?
18. Do I qualify for clinical trials that are being done at this center?
19. Do I need chemotherapy or immunotherapy?
20. Should I continue to see a dermatologist?
21. Do I need regular scans or a brain scan? 

Getting a Second Opinion

After being diagnosed with melanoma, it is a good idea to consider getting a second opinion. Do not feel uncomfortable about asking for a referral to another specialist. Some insurance companies may require a second opinion.

A second opinion may provide you with more information about your specific type of melanoma, as well as the variety of treatment options available to you. It is best to get a second opinion before you begin a course of treatment, since it is difficult to change your treatment plan once started. On the other hand, getting a second opinion does not mean you have to change your treatment plan or your doctor. It could give you more confidence in the decisions that you have already made.