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Join us at this unique seminar series to learn how to manage a melanoma diagnosis, what to expect with treatment, improve communication with your treatment team, get involved in clinical trials, and find patient resources.
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Navigating Malignant Melanoma: A Unique Physician, Nurse, and Patient Seminar Series Miami, FL – January 25, 2014
Speakers • Katherine Rosenthal, RN, BSN, OCN, CCRP Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA • Shelby Moneer, MS, CHES Education Program Manager, MRF
Objectives Learn how you can manage a melanoma diagnosis Learn what to expect with treatment Understand ways to improve communication with your treatment team Learn how to get involved in clinical trials Learn about patient resources and how you can get involved in the fight against melanoma Hear from other melanoma patients
Managing a Diagnosis • Questions to ask your doctor • See MRF handout in folder • Second opinions • Caregivers • Be proactive
What to Expect with Treatment • Side effects of treatment • Pain • Lymphedema • Psychosocial Issues • There are many different treatment options and everyone responds differently
What to Expect with Treatment • Get to know your melanoma treatment team • Nurses, Doctors, Nutritionists, Social Workers, Dermatologists, Spiritual Support • There are many different treatment options and everyone responds differently
Clinical Trial Overview If you are a late stage patient and your doctor hasn’t at least mentioned clinical trials to you, consider finding a new doctor Patient safety is the main focus in a trial – screening process ensures patients meet the eligibility criteria What is considered an ‘acceptable response’? Participating trial sites have regular communication so all parties are continually informed of issues
Clinical Trial Overview Consenting for Clinical Trials All trials are voluntary Consent can be withdrawn at any time If you need more time to think about it, just ask Patients on clinical trials are monitored more closely
Clinical Trial Drug Development Important notes on trial drugs By the time a drug reaches humans, it has already been tested on animals Patients usually have access to medications that are not available otherwise Side effects should be reported immediately The absence of side effects does NOT mean the drug isn’t working…and vice versa
Clinical Trial Common Myths Myth: If I enter a clinical trial, I'll be treated like a guinea pig. Myth: I'm going to get a sugar pill while other patients are getting actual medication. Myth: Clinical trials are too risky for me. Find a clinical trial by visiting the MRF’s Clinical Trial Finder: http://www.emergingmed.com/networks/MRF/
Get Involved! • Become a MELANOMA MESSENGER! • Volunteer to be (or get) a phone buddy • Share educational materials with your community • Doctor’s offices, health fairs, schools, etc. • Put on a fundraiser • Participate in the MRF’s advocacy work • MRF’s Day on the Hill – March 6, 2014 • Participate in or volunteer at a Miles 4 Melanoma event
Patient Panel John Doe Jane Doe