I'm in a similar situation, mine was 2b, which they removed with clear margins, and tomorrow, I have the wide excision and SLNB. I thought the latter was optional but my specialist really recommended it. I believe it helps with staging and additional treatment if the result is positive (20% chance that it is). It's a tricky one, but as an independent and super active 50 year old man, I kinda want the full works now, so whatever they can do can be done early, and reduce risk further down the line.

There's a new Melanoma trial happening too, and recent results show a 47% reduction in recurrence after taking a certain drug (can't remember the name). They use your own cells to create a vaccine and it's been really successful so far. They want volunteers in Manchester where I am, so I'll be asking my specialist tomorrow.

I've read up A LOT on all this, probably too much, and most people have good outcomes at stage I and II, even the phrase 'totally cured' is banded about.  It hasn't stopped me thinking about it constantly for the last 3m, it's a worry, I've never had anything seriously wrong with me before.

Let me know what you decide, and I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.

Thanks so much for your response, I am also 50yr old man and regard myself as pretty fit (runner, mountain biker etc etc) wishing you all the best for today and a speedy recovery...thks again

Thanks so much for your response, I am also 50yr old man and regard myself as pretty fit (runner, mountain biker etc etc) wishing you all the best for today and a speedy recovery...thks again