Recently Diagnosed
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Recently Diagnosed

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  • Post
    • September 6, 2012 at 1:08 pm
    scrapps
    Participant

      Let me start by saying it hass been a crazy 2 weeks. I wass initially diagnsed with metastatic melanoma on 8/22/12. The initial pathology report showed a nodular melanoma with an initial depth of  1.71mm. I was immediately referred to a general surgeon and has a wide excision and SNLB performed 10 days ago. the surgeon only removed a single node due to the dye and the radioactive material not extending beyond that node. The initial path while in the OR was clear in the lymph so I was cloased and sent home. I went for my post-op appointment yesterday and the final path report came in.

      Let me start by saying it hass been a crazy 2 weeks. I wass initially diagnsed with metastatic melanoma on 8/22/12. The initial pathology report showed a nodular melanoma with an initial depth of  1.71mm. I was immediately referred to a general surgeon and has a wide excision and SNLB performed 10 days ago. the surgeon only removed a single node due to the dye and the radioactive material not extending beyond that node. The initial path while in the OR was clear in the lymph so I was cloased and sent home. I went for my post-op appointment yesterday and the final path report came in. there was no residual tumor  found in the excision site, but there was a microscopic lesion .4mm found in the single node. The surgeon has  recommended a full lymph node dissection which I have scheduled for next week. I am wondering if this is the right thing to do at this point. I am concerned with the potential side effects from the lymph dissection i.e lymphedema. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

    Viewing 8 reply threads
    • Replies
        • September 6, 2012 at 3:02 pm
        Linny
        Participant

          Though lymphedema is a side effect, not everyone gets it. There are precautions you will need to take such as wearing a compression sleeve when you fly and doing some self massage to keep lymph fluid moving. If it should manifest, it is treatable when caught early and many go on to lead normal lives.

          Lymphedema is the least of your worries. It's unfortunate that melanoma cells were found in that other node. Now, let's say you had that node removed and left the rest in. What if some undetected cells traveled into other nodes, or are enroute? You're better off getting the rest of the lymph nodes removed so those cells can't go anywhere else.

          • September 6, 2012 at 3:02 pm
          Linny
          Participant

            Though lymphedema is a side effect, not everyone gets it. There are precautions you will need to take such as wearing a compression sleeve when you fly and doing some self massage to keep lymph fluid moving. If it should manifest, it is treatable when caught early and many go on to lead normal lives.

            Lymphedema is the least of your worries. It's unfortunate that melanoma cells were found in that other node. Now, let's say you had that node removed and left the rest in. What if some undetected cells traveled into other nodes, or are enroute? You're better off getting the rest of the lymph nodes removed so those cells can't go anywhere else.

            • September 6, 2012 at 3:02 pm
            Linny
            Participant

              Though lymphedema is a side effect, not everyone gets it. There are precautions you will need to take such as wearing a compression sleeve when you fly and doing some self massage to keep lymph fluid moving. If it should manifest, it is treatable when caught early and many go on to lead normal lives.

              Lymphedema is the least of your worries. It's unfortunate that melanoma cells were found in that other node. Now, let's say you had that node removed and left the rest in. What if some undetected cells traveled into other nodes, or are enroute? You're better off getting the rest of the lymph nodes removed so those cells can't go anywhere else.

              • September 6, 2012 at 3:26 pm
              frankMill
              Participant

                I was diagnosed on 8/17/12 with metastatic melanoma in my left chest.  Had it removed last Friday and they did the SNB.  Just returned from the doctor and the SNB biopsy was Negative.  I'm sure that we are both in for a battle ahead, it's pretty scary stuff.  Meeting with Dr. Weber at Moffitt Cancer Center tomorrow to discuss a plan.  I'll send prayers your way.  I wouldn't worry about lymphedema as much as containing the melanoma.

                Stay strong,

                Frank

                • September 6, 2012 at 3:26 pm
                frankMill
                Participant

                  I was diagnosed on 8/17/12 with metastatic melanoma in my left chest.  Had it removed last Friday and they did the SNB.  Just returned from the doctor and the SNB biopsy was Negative.  I'm sure that we are both in for a battle ahead, it's pretty scary stuff.  Meeting with Dr. Weber at Moffitt Cancer Center tomorrow to discuss a plan.  I'll send prayers your way.  I wouldn't worry about lymphedema as much as containing the melanoma.

                  Stay strong,

                  Frank

                  • September 6, 2012 at 3:26 pm
                  frankMill
                  Participant

                    I was diagnosed on 8/17/12 with metastatic melanoma in my left chest.  Had it removed last Friday and they did the SNB.  Just returned from the doctor and the SNB biopsy was Negative.  I'm sure that we are both in for a battle ahead, it's pretty scary stuff.  Meeting with Dr. Weber at Moffitt Cancer Center tomorrow to discuss a plan.  I'll send prayers your way.  I wouldn't worry about lymphedema as much as containing the melanoma.

                    Stay strong,

                    Frank

                    • September 8, 2012 at 12:09 am
                    Mickey n Jo
                    Participant

                      My husband had a SNB done in Jan 2011, they removed 9 nodes and only the sentinel node was positve for melanoma.

                      He had no problem with lymphedema, just some pain and a slight loss of range of motion in that arm which was

                      remedied by physical therapy. His problem was that 3 months later another node appeared, this time they went in and

                      did a total node dissection, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. He was NED for 11 months after that. Just remember that

                      everyone is different  so you must do what seems right for you. Get as much information as you can, and don't

                      hesitate to ask your Dr. questions.

                      • September 8, 2012 at 12:09 am
                      Mickey n Jo
                      Participant

                        My husband had a SNB done in Jan 2011, they removed 9 nodes and only the sentinel node was positve for melanoma.

                        He had no problem with lymphedema, just some pain and a slight loss of range of motion in that arm which was

                        remedied by physical therapy. His problem was that 3 months later another node appeared, this time they went in and

                        did a total node dissection, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. He was NED for 11 months after that. Just remember that

                        everyone is different  so you must do what seems right for you. Get as much information as you can, and don't

                        hesitate to ask your Dr. questions.

                        • September 8, 2012 at 12:09 am
                        Mickey n Jo
                        Participant

                          My husband had a SNB done in Jan 2011, they removed 9 nodes and only the sentinel node was positve for melanoma.

                          He had no problem with lymphedema, just some pain and a slight loss of range of motion in that arm which was

                          remedied by physical therapy. His problem was that 3 months later another node appeared, this time they went in and

                          did a total node dissection, followed by 6 weeks of radiation. He was NED for 11 months after that. Just remember that

                          everyone is different  so you must do what seems right for you. Get as much information as you can, and don't

                          hesitate to ask your Dr. questions.

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