I'm really sorry that you are waiting such a long time. Sadly the NHS is very short of dermatologists &, along with the rise of referrals and the general problems across hospitals it's taking longer to get the treatment we deserve. The waiting times for results used to average 3 weeks & the wait for the WLE etc about the same. Was the WLE and SLNB explained to you at your results appointment? If so, I don't understand why you need another appointment pre-surgery as this is what is stringing the waiting out further. 

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi,

What depth was your melanoma? Does your hospital not offer SLNB at all or only for those over a certain depth (they aren't offered at all if the melanoma is below 1mm depth).

I would think carefully about going privately - make sure your policy covers you for everything, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy in the future in case you should progress to late stage cancer. You can transfer back to the NHS at any time but it can be time consuming. 

I'm sure you have been made aware that a SLNB is only used to stage your melanoma, it doesn't stop any future spread, so some patients opt not to have it (if they are eligible) and are sometimes offered regular ultrasound scans on the nodes instead. I hope you get an answer from the MDT today - please let us know how you get on,

Angie

Hi Angie,

MDT have come  back to me today and I have an appointment booked in  For 12th November and a latest op date of 13th December. My depth is .9 mm and not ulcerated or nodular. All 1b patients are offered the sentinel node biopsy as an option at  my Hospital and as I am near the 1mm they recommended it. However they are not done at all There but at a  nearby hospital and I then stay there for further treatment although I can transfer back to The original hospital if i find it easier.

having looked into the private option it appears that the SLNB  is not something that’s is done often and if it is it seems to be linked more to breast surgery consultants so think I need to wait it out for my nhs appointment.

Glad you at least have an answer from the MDT. I have sent you a friend request - if you accept it I can send you some information that may be helpful.