Hello Papillon65, 

I can understand why you are feeling worried about the node dissection and I hope you will hear from others who have had this procedure done before and that they will be along to share their story with you. I found this thread  by [@Dove18]‍  which may be of interest to you as she was also asking at the time about pelvic node dissection. Hopefully you will be able to talk to one another on this forum and hear from other ladies who have had their nodes removed. It is a very difficult decision to make and I hope your medical team is very helpful in advising you and giving you all the facts. 

Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their line is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you want to talk things through with them. 

Keep us updated if you can on your situation!

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Thank you Lucie, for taking the time to reply.....feeling a bit lonely and isolated right now! 

I have read through the thread you provided and feel reassured that my fears are valid. I will attempt to make contact with @Dove18 and appreciate the support you have given.

Thank you.

Hi,

I can understand your fears and I will give you my personal experience in the hope that it helps with you making your decision.

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma 10 years ago after finding a lump in my groin. I had previously been diagnosed Stage 1 13 years before. The only treatment at that time was surgicakl removal as chemo and radiotherapy don't work on melanoma. So I had to have a full node clearance (23 nodes) from my groin and pelvis - melanoma was found in one groin node and one pelvic node. The surgery wasn't as bad as I anticipated as regards pain and recovery, although I did get a seroma and cellulitis shortly after. However, I also started with lymphoedema in my leg 2 weeks post surgery. I was very lucky as my dressings nurse diagnosed me straight away and got me a referral to the lymphoedema clinic (2 weeks later). Meanwhile he advised about keeping my leg elevated and to wear very thick tights until my appointment. His quick action and the care I received subsequently meant that I only suffer mild lymphoedema. The only way it impacts my life is that I can't kneel down on that leg and I have to ensure I keep it well moisturised and take precautions against being bitten by insects or knocking/cutting my leg. I wear the prescribed compression tights every day (not fashionable unfortunately) but other than that I do everything I used to do (hiking, dancing, zumba, plane travel etc). 

I didn't have a choice, but knowing that without the dissection my cancer would have continued to spread and I wouldn't be here now, I am thankful for only having mild lymphoedema. In order to make a more informed choice can I suggest that you enquire as to the lymphoedema treatment available in your area and how quick you would be seen if it occurred. Some areas (like where I live) have excellent, speedy treatment available. Also learn about the warning signs so you would know what to look for and could contact your care team immediately. This website should help https://www.lymphoedema.org/

Good luck and please let us know how you get on,

Angie