Hello
Just joined. I have stage 2C nodular melanoma. I have decided not to have the SLNB and only have the WLE. I will be having immunotherapy.
I was just wondering what other’s thoughts were on having the SLNB and not having SLNB? Thanks
Hi Douthc511dc and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.
I was diagnosed with Stage 2a amelanotic melanoma nearly 9 years ago and had a WLE and SLNB. When I was diagnosed SLNBs were only just being offered alongside WLEs.
I was worried about the risk of developing lymphoedema if I had a SLNB but, after speaking to the surgeon who was going to be performing the operation, I decided to go ahead.
My reasoning was that I didn't want to discover years down the line that the melanoma had spread and I could have started treatment sooner if it had been spotted in my lymph nodes.
However, I can see that you're being given immunotherapy even though you're only Stage 2. When I was diagnosed immunotherapy wasn't on the table as a preventative measure, it was only given if it was found to have spread to your lymph nodes or other parts of your body, ie Stage 3. So I can understand your thoughts about not having a SLNB to check for spread.
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
