I have a 2nd primary, but risks of lymphadema – chronic vein thrombosis, with biological problems with the vein draining and causing alot of spider vein problems. I have some episodes of lymphadema type situations over the years. WIth my first melanoma, i had a very aggressive melanoma, with satellites, stage 3b going in, ulcerated, 12 mitotic rate, with brisk response fighting it – i was in great shape. I had the SNB, it was initially in the sentinel node microscopically, but on a repeat, it was negative. I refused the lymph node dissection and interferon as the complications for me were going to be far more than the benefits. THey were just researching then, interferon not so great and full node dissection was in my estimation, going to cause me lymphadema. I had no recurrances.
Now , 16 years later, that much older, not in shape at all and overweight. i mean, i can control 2 of these things, but with a new primary – lower leg, 1b, and only a 1.01 mm, i am wondering if i should bother with the SNB. I researched the risk factors and i have them all for lymphadema – age, weight, no exercise, chronic venous insufficiency, spider vein problems and on and on……
I wish i could be back running and in shape, but i think i will have more problems than not with SNB. I understand there is about a 15% chance of it spreading to the nodes. In my first mel, it was very, very aggressive, as noted above and was only microcopically present on the 1st S-100, nothing on repeat, MARt T-1 and something else i can't remember.
Anyone have anything similar or thoughts? Thanks….Judith
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