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Melanoma stage 2

Katieee123
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Hi, I've recently been diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma, I'm 24 years old. I've been recommended to get a senital lymph node biopsy and the procedure is taking place the 25th of this month along with a wide local excision on my left thigh, I've been reading a lot into the SLNB and I'm wondering if this is really necessary as I'm really worried about the risks and how much pain I am going to be in afterwards and also unsure of how long I will need to stay off work, can anyone who has been through this help to answer with what pain you are in etc? 

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    Hi Katielee,

    I haven't had a SLNB as it wasn't offered when I was first diagnosed 24 years ago. Sadly my Stage 1 melanoma returned Stage 3 13 years later but we will never know if a SLNB would have made any difference. I do know a few patients who were offered it - some have had it whilst a few declined & have been followed up with ultrasounds instead. 

    It affects everyone differently so there is no one size fits all with this procedure, or melanoma in general. Some patients have no problems, little pain or after effects whilst a minority have a lot of pain & discomfort or, in extreme cases, develop lymphoedema. If you don't mind I will send you a friend request so I can discuss this more by private message.

    Good luck & I hope all goes well,

    Angie

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    Hi Katieee,

     

    A warm welcome to our forum. I had two melanoma removed with a wide local excision last year. One was on my face, just under my eye and the other was on my leg, just above my inner ankle. These were done under local aaesthesia. I was back at work the next day with no discomfort whatsoever in my face. the Plastic surgeon did a beautiful job of stitching me up and you can hardly see the scarring now.

     

    My leg was never sore, but it took a little longer to heal. I had to have a course of antibiotics after 2 weeks and, my scar is still more noticable. It really was a breeze, so please don't worry about the procedure.

     

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

     

    Kind regards,

     

    Jolamine xx

     

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