A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a stage 1a melanoma the top of my left foot. It is just in front of ankle and about one inch below it. Getting a dermatology oncologist was fairly easy, but a plastic surgeon to work on the foot seems to be a unique skill set.
I live in a big city, with a highly ranked university hospital near me. Initially my doctor would only have me to go to that hospital until a few days ago, when she told me only one plastic surgeon at that hospital would be willing to look at my case due to it being on the foot. In fact, as far as referrals go they can only find one other plastic surgeon, and one dermatology surgeon who they can send my case to near me.
Has anyone had to get a melanoma removed from the top of their foot? If so, how hard was it to find a surgeon? If neither of these surgeons are willing to take my case, I am on my own to find a surgeon in another state. I was lucky to get diagnosis early, I want to stay ahead of everything as much as possible.
Hi Ajjaaaxxxxcc92e5 and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I’m Anne, and although my melanoma was on my arm, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.
I've done a search in the group and found these posts which mention that melanoma was on the foot. You could have a read through them.
As you mentioned that
I am on my own to find a surgeon in another state
I assume that you are in America. That isn't a problem, but our health system works differently to yours in that we don't have to find our own surgeons, they are found for us by our treatment team.
While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and proposed treatment into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
