Wide local excision for malignant melanoma

So I underwent a wide local excision for stage 1 malignant melanoma just over 2 weeks ago.

The site of the minor surgery is just below my knee on the inner aspect.

I had unrealistically expected to recover in a couple of days as I had done after my initial biopsy and was in no way prepared for either the procedure or recovery time.

After 2 weeks I am still struggling to walk, negotiate the stairs or do anything that requires knee bending either repeatedly or for any length of time (eg sitting normally on a chair). My leg is also numb in places.

I had the stitches taken out today and the nurse wasn’t concerned in any way and the GP deemed me not fit for work for another couple of weeks.

All very well but I’m usually a very active person. I ran a half marathon for charity a couple of months ago and I regularly go the gym, exercise and go on lovely long dog walks. 

Currently struggling to go anywhere outside the house. Has anyone else had a similar experience. 

I’d love some reassurance that the mobility will return and that I’ll be ‘fighting fit’ again soon.

(Oh, probably doesn’t help I’m on methotrexate which I understand is an immunosuppressant and not conducive to a quick recovery).

Any feedback or advice would be greatly appreciated xAx

Parents
  • Hello I thought I would reply to you Lillie as no one else has at this time,  I have also had melanoma, notice I said HAD melanoma fingers crossed that’s the case! I had surgery on April 2018  and had part of my ear removed, also a W L E And had my lymph nodes removed, the results were negative so hopefully it hasn’t spread . I had a MRI and a CAT scan this week and am waiting on results now. I’m very grateful to have had the surgery as it has saved my life. Like your leg/knee my ear is also numb, as I understand it ,it can take months and months to heal after the trauma you can’t rush it, you need to be patient and im sure you will return to your fitness regimen when you have fully healed. It must be very frustrating for you not being able to get about the same. 

    Best wishes to you. 

     

  • Thank you so much for responding to my posts. It’s so comforting to be able to chat to people who have a greater understanding of what I’m going through.

    I am so lucky to have a supportive family and friends but it’s usually me doing the caring, supporting and giving advice and I think they’re having difficulty accepting that I’m not 100% at the moment.

    Since I’ve joined this site and started to try and be a bit more ‘mindful’ I’ve been feeling more positive but my mobility is still poor.

    I do hope your scan results are clear and that you stay strong and positive in the meantime.

    Thank you again for your kind words,

    Best Wishes xAx

  • I could have written this post! I am 2 weeks post op for wide resection and lymph node biopsy and I am still really struggling.  I too am normally very active.  I was expecting to be back cycling and swimming by now and am still struggling to get around or walk anywhere much. I hope your recovery went well and you are now fully back to normal. 

Reply
  • I could have written this post! I am 2 weeks post op for wide resection and lymph node biopsy and I am still really struggling.  I too am normally very active.  I was expecting to be back cycling and swimming by now and am still struggling to get around or walk anywhere much. I hope your recovery went well and you are now fully back to normal. 

Children
  • It’s been a year now and I’m happy to say I’m back to almost everything other than running now (but that’s really down to my RA rather than the surgery). I hope you recover soon too. I remember feeling just awful, a bit of a failure and a bit guilty ... I wanted to be one of those people who would be up and running straight away.

    I’ve taken up yoga and find that really helps (always use 2 mats for extra padding). The only symptom left now is altered sensation and I’ve been told that may never get back to normal. It’s not painful but feels tight. 

    Keep strong and try to go easy on yourself. It’s a big thing to go through and not everyone understands the impact it can have on your life. I hope you’re back on your bike very soon xxx

  • Hi Prescy72,

    It's hard when you are an active person and you are hoping to get back to normality quickly. It will get better, it just takes a little longer than you think. This type of surgery is traumatic to the body so be patient and you will get there. Good luck with your results,

    Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

  • Thank you Angie! Yes I need to learn patience! I really appreciate your response x