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Diagnosed with T2 Melanoma

Brandy12
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After having a mole removed on Christmas Eve, I got the news yesterday that it’s melanoma. Gone through a whole range of emotions and trying to take it all in. I’ve now got to wait for the wide local excision and lymph node biopsy. Been told will be 4-6 weeks before this will happen. I know the staff were all supportive and seem hopeful that it has all been removed, but it’s hard not to worry. I guess my biggest worry is that it hasn’t all been removed and I’ve got to wait 6 weeks to have the WLE 

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    Hi Brandy12,

    Please know that it has all been removed. The WLE is a belt & braces procedure to ensure it's all gone & this is reflected in the fact that 99% of WLE's come back clear.

    The SLNB is to ensure they have staged you correctly, it's not a treatment. If any melanoma is found in the Sentinel Node it changes the staging and makes you eligible for drug therapy. Melanoma can spread to the node if it's already entered the lymphatic or blood system before the initial removal of the mole.

    The problem with the SLNB is that it can delay having the WLE because a radiologist needs to be present to track the dye to the Sentinel Node. Perhaps contact the hospital and ask if the WLE would be done any faster if you chose not to have the SLNB (if you are happy not to go ahead with it).

    I will send you a friend request so that, should you accept it, we can chat by private message if you wish.

    Take care,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)

  • Offline in reply to AngieT

    Hi Angie,

    Thank you for your reply. I did speak to one of the specialist nurses that I saw the other day and I feel more reassured (well as reassured as I can be). I do want to have the SLNB so I know whether it’s spread. Mine was 1.9mm so almost in the T3 category. 

    I think I’ve accepted your friend request. 

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