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Total lymph node removal vs observation
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Total lymph node removal vs observation

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Total lymph node removal vs observation

  • Post
    • January 14, 2012 at 12:02 am
    SABKLYN
    Participant
      I was recently diagnosed through a sentinel node biopsy with Stage 3a melanoma. My pathology was very unusual and most physicians I have dealt within this short time, have told me they “backed into” the diagnosis. As such, they are treating it as though it is melanoma. I had PET and CAT scans which were clean. My doctors at Sloan Kettering believe that I may be as well off with ultra sound observation every three months as with total lymph node removal. They are offering both options. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

      I was recently diagnosed through a sentinel node biopsy with Stage 3a melanoma. My pathology was very unusual and most physicians I have dealt within this short time, have told me they “backed into” the diagnosis. As such, they are treating it as though it is melanoma. I had PET and CAT scans which were clean. My doctors at Sloan Kettering believe that I may be as well off with ultra sound observation every three months as with total lymph node removal. They are offering both options. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

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    • Replies
        • January 14, 2012 at 6:30 am
        washoegal
        Participant

          I too was offered the same choice, or actually to be in a study group complete removal vs ultra sound) and decided to have the lymph nodes removed.  Since I had ultra sound prior to having the SNB and it was clear but the path report came back with 2 out the 4 having microscopic amounts of MEL, I was not comfortable with the ultrasound option.  It is becoming more of a preferred option now and if I was facing groin surgery versus arm (which was mine) I would consider it more seriously.  Tough decision.

          Good Luck

          Mary

          Stage 3

          • January 14, 2012 at 6:30 am
          washoegal
          Participant

            I too was offered the same choice, or actually to be in a study group complete removal vs ultra sound) and decided to have the lymph nodes removed.  Since I had ultra sound prior to having the SNB and it was clear but the path report came back with 2 out the 4 having microscopic amounts of MEL, I was not comfortable with the ultrasound option.  It is becoming more of a preferred option now and if I was facing groin surgery versus arm (which was mine) I would consider it more seriously.  Tough decision.

            Good Luck

            Mary

            Stage 3

            • January 14, 2012 at 6:30 am
            washoegal
            Participant

              I too was offered the same choice, or actually to be in a study group complete removal vs ultra sound) and decided to have the lymph nodes removed.  Since I had ultra sound prior to having the SNB and it was clear but the path report came back with 2 out the 4 having microscopic amounts of MEL, I was not comfortable with the ultrasound option.  It is becoming more of a preferred option now and if I was facing groin surgery versus arm (which was mine) I would consider it more seriously.  Tough decision.

              Good Luck

              Mary

              Stage 3

              • January 14, 2012 at 4:08 pm
              lizzykittycat
              Participant
                I have been in your position. It sucks. It would almost be easier if WE didn’t have to make the decision. Search my posts though… I’ve asked a few times and have gotten some invaluable advice. I did the surgery. Last week. Recovering now. The drain is a bit gross but not so bad. In fact I think it may be helping to reduce what was pretty major swelling ore-op. feel free to keep in touch or ask anynquestions. Sorry for typos. On iPad and HATE it,
                • January 14, 2012 at 4:08 pm
                lizzykittycat
                Participant
                  I have been in your position. It sucks. It would almost be easier if WE didn’t have to make the decision. Search my posts though… I’ve asked a few times and have gotten some invaluable advice. I did the surgery. Last week. Recovering now. The drain is a bit gross but not so bad. In fact I think it may be helping to reduce what was pretty major swelling ore-op. feel free to keep in touch or ask anynquestions. Sorry for typos. On iPad and HATE it,
                  • January 14, 2012 at 4:08 pm
                  lizzykittycat
                  Participant
                    I have been in your position. It sucks. It would almost be easier if WE didn’t have to make the decision. Search my posts though… I’ve asked a few times and have gotten some invaluable advice. I did the surgery. Last week. Recovering now. The drain is a bit gross but not so bad. In fact I think it may be helping to reduce what was pretty major swelling ore-op. feel free to keep in touch or ask anynquestions. Sorry for typos. On iPad and HATE it,
                    • January 18, 2012 at 11:54 am
                    John T
                    Participant

                      Hi – sorry for the decision making you have to make.

                      I know all operations don't come out the same, but I would like to let you know the after effects on my full lymph node dissection on my leg are minimal (Stage 3B). Although leg still feels a bit numb/sensitive at the same time (strange, but true!) – I now compete in triathlons, 10k running events and cycle events. Most importantly – no reoccurance, 4 years now.

                      Best of luck

                      John in Bangkok  

                      • January 18, 2012 at 11:54 am
                      John T
                      Participant

                        Hi – sorry for the decision making you have to make.

                        I know all operations don't come out the same, but I would like to let you know the after effects on my full lymph node dissection on my leg are minimal (Stage 3B). Although leg still feels a bit numb/sensitive at the same time (strange, but true!) – I now compete in triathlons, 10k running events and cycle events. Most importantly – no reoccurance, 4 years now.

                        Best of luck

                        John in Bangkok  

                        • January 18, 2012 at 11:54 am
                        John T
                        Participant

                          Hi – sorry for the decision making you have to make.

                          I know all operations don't come out the same, but I would like to let you know the after effects on my full lymph node dissection on my leg are minimal (Stage 3B). Although leg still feels a bit numb/sensitive at the same time (strange, but true!) – I now compete in triathlons, 10k running events and cycle events. Most importantly – no reoccurance, 4 years now.

                          Best of luck

                          John in Bangkok  

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