Hi,

I know how terrifying all this will be but they will give you an appointment to discuss the positives & negatives of having a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy so that you can make an informed decision. Meanwhile, ring them back and ask them to send you any written information (leaflets etc) explaining the procedure so that you can have a good think about it.

Most people get the biopsy done but a few decide not to and they ask for regular ultrasounds of the nodal area instead - ask your consultant if they do that. The SLNB isn't treatment, it's done to definitively stage the melanoma - at the moment you are 1b but if melanoma was found in the Sentinel Node it would change your stage to 3 and this means you would be eligible for drug therapy.

The negative with the SLNB is that, removal of nodes brings a very, very small risk of lymphoedema in the leg. It's also a reasonably invasive procedure so your mobility would be slightly affected for a week or two. Finally, it's done at the same time as the WLE and this sometimes means the appointment is delayed because they need to have a radiologist present to inject the dye & track it to the node(s). You need to ask them if the SLNB will delay the WLE appointment - if it does by a few weeks you may decide not to go ahead with it.

The positive of having it done - you will know if it's spread rather than wondering all the time. You will then receive the drug therapy to help stop further spread or a recurrence. Lots of things to consider so you need the information from your hospital.

With regard to spread for a Breslow 1.1mm melanoma - I'm afraid melanoma is so unpredictable that it's like asking how long is a piece of string. Every patient is different - some patients have depths of 2mm or 3mm or even 4mm & have no spread whilst those with 0.7mm (like myself) have a spread. 

It's a lot to take in so I will send you a friend request. If you accept it we can chat by private message & I can give you more information that will help. 

Take care,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)