Hi,

I'm sorry you have been diagnosed with melanoma and are awaiting further surgery next week.

Recovery will all depend on where your mole was. If it was on your leg or foot, the dye for the SLNB may run to the nodes behind the knee or into the groin. The two procedures will take longer to heal in these areas because of the leg being weight bearing so you will be advised to stay off your feet for a period of time & not to drive for a short time. If it was on your upper torso or arm, the dye will probably run to under one of your arms (axillary area) or if it's the lower torso it may run to the groin (so my previous advice applies). If the SLNB is under your arm, you will recover slightly quicker but you will be advised not to pick up anything heavy for a while (to ensure the stitches don't burst). If on the face or neck, the dye will probably run to the neck nodes. This area is very sensitive & takes longer to heal.

You will be advised about recovery etc when you attend for the surgery. If the WLE is straightforward (they haven't said you need a skin graft) it will take a while longer to heal than the initial excision took. If you work, I would suggest you prepare for taking at least 2 weeks off work, if not more, as you need to also be cautious about infection. Also, be aware that, if you are told not to drive for a short time, that's not only because of tension on the wounds but also because your vehicle insurance won't cover you if you were in an road accident or you were stopped for a Police check.

I hope this helps. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)