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    • February 21, 2018 at 5:31 pm
    Raco
    Participant

      Hi, Really would appreciate some feed back:

      I was diagnosed with melanoma on my left flank on January 25th, 5 days later I was in the Surgeons office and he discussed that we  Remove the Melanoma 2mm and to  do a SLNB to determine if the cancer had reached the lymph nodes. 

      On February 5th, Surgery. SLNB was removed than the Melanoma.

      Results in two days.                                                                                                                                    Melanoma site was all clear around the Margins,  However, they found Microscopic cancer cells in two lymph nodes that they removed. 

      Next,,,, 9 days later I met with Dr Alberico Oncologist, Virginia Oncology. He has me scheduled for two test.

      1. Brain MRI

      and

      2. Pet Scan to see if I light up anywhere.

      If All is clear, I will go back to Surgery on March 12th and they want to remove additional nodes and place a drainage in.

      Kinda just looking for others that may have experienced similar situations and Whats the word about having your lymph nodes removed.

      Thanks for your input.

      Robbie

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    • Replies
        • February 21, 2018 at 5:38 pm
        ktode10910
        Participant

          HI Robbie,

          I think that all sounds exactly correct for treatment from where you are and out.  Those were all the same tests I had for my original Stage III.  LIkely, they will recommend a treatment course as well.  I had many lymp nodes removed with my original diagnosis (mine has now recurred ten years later back to my lymph system) so if they can take them–take them!  I did well with that surgery.  It did leave me with lymphadema in my left leg (as my original melanoma was in my left groin) so I do have swelling in that leg that can be managed by a stocking when needed but really isn't anything that affects my daily life.  My drain did get infected with my first surgery all those years ago, but maybe they are better now.  It was a simple cellulitis that was easily treated.  

          I hope that helps and best of luck–it sounds like your oncologist is right on track for exactly what I've seen before and would be recommended.  Just don't be surprosed if they add in a medicinal treatment option as well. 

            • February 21, 2018 at 6:20 pm
            Raco
            Participant

              Thank you for that, appreciate the quick response to my question. Great insite.

              I am so glad the Nurse told me about MRF as a site to go to on the web that you can get accurate information about Melanoma. 

              I also wish you all the best.

            • February 22, 2018 at 1:31 am
            Bubbles
            Participant

              Hi Robbie, 

              Sadly, things in melanoma are never simple.  Sorry you are having to deal with that.  We used to automatically take out all lymph nodes in an area (CLND) if there was a positive node.  I had it done twice.  Did well, no lymphedema.  Still progressed to Stage IV anyway.  There have been many recent discussions on this topic on this board.  Use the search bubble to find them.  Melanoma therapy and treatment plans have changed dramatically in the past 6 years.  Here is a discussion/many posts regarding SLNB and CLND:  

              http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/search?q=CLND  

              I can understand if you decide to have the CLND done.  I can understand if you do not.  What you need to think seriously about is whether or not you wish to utilize adjuvant treatment, for which you qualify…whether you have the CLND or not.  This post may be helpful:

              http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2017/08/melanoma-intel-primer-for-current.html

              I hope you are seeing a melanoma specialist.  It is incredibly important.  Things have changed so rapidly in melanoma care that some general oncologists are not up to date.  I wish you my best.  Ask more questions as you need.  Celeste

                • February 22, 2018 at 12:52 pm
                Raco
                Participant

                  Thank you for the info and best of luck to you also

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