EDUCATE YOURSELF Understanding the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis can make you feel more confident. Educating yourself will help you and your loved one become more comfortable making the difficult decisions throughout this journey. Research shows that patients have better outcomes when they are well informed and supported. Be sure to use only trusted resources when doing research for your loved one’s condition.
MELANOMA.ORG The MRF’s website is a valuable tool that can provide information and support to caregivers, patients, family and friends. Once you have been touched by melanoma — either as a patient or as a caregiver — you become part of a community. It is not a community anyone is anxious to join, but you will find no better source for support and information during your journey with this disease.
Questions to Ask Your Melanoma Treatment Team:
• Do I need a biopsy? • Will I have a scar?
• Should I continue to see a dermatologist? • Will I develop a new melanoma? • Should I get a second opinion? • Do I need a sentinel lymph node biopsy? • Do I need Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, or Targeted Therapy? • What are the risks and side effects? • What is this process like? • What type of follow-up care will I need? • Do I need regular scans or a brain scan? • Should I begin looking at clinical trials? • Do you know what my Breslow Measurement is? • Should I look into genetic/biomarker testing and counseling?
• When will I know the results? • Have you checked my body for other possible lesions? • How will we determine if the cancer has spread? • Has the cancer spread to my lymph nodes? • Do you know what stage/class of melanoma I have? • What are my treatment options? • Which treatment plan do you recommend? • Will I be able to continue my normal daily life?
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