WLE & SLNB Questions to ask

Hi Shelvox, have I got this right that on Friday you see your team for them to discuss the procedure your going to have and that you will have the preop checks weight, blood pressure heart stuff on that day as well and then you will be sent the date for your op. 

I haven’t had a WLE or SLNB but I have had a laparoscopic removal of a node. The surgeon explained what they were going to do and what the potential problems might be, how long I may be in hospital. I was taking one step at a time so I didn’t really ask questions about recovery at that appointment, which you might want to do.

When the hospital letter came it had info on what to take into hospital, and about what time you could eat. You have gone through one op there all ready so you might want to ask what the difference will be between the stays.

I think you are already thinking exactly what are they going to be removing and what effect will that have on your life and who can help me with any problems. What help can the hospital give and what help might be given at a local GPs. 

What impact the op will have on work, driving, walking, is there anything you might need to buy, (eyemask ear plugs, support garments, new shoes slippers?) what the follow up will be, how you will get biopsy results and when. Listen to what they are telling you make notes if you need to, and ask who you can contact if you have further questions. You will probably have someone driving you there and home,  will that person be coming to this appointment with you and what questions might they have about where they can wait, looking after you or your belongings etc. If you have any concerns tell your team so they can address your fears. 

Im sure you have questions going around in your head already, get prepared for the talk and tick stuff off to ensure everything you wanted  to ask is covered, The hospital website might have copies of the letters and instructions they will be giving you, you might want to pre read them and have questions from them of anything your not clear on. 

Good luck for Friday and let us know your op date. I hope anyone whose had a SLNB can pitch in with any questions.

Hi Shelvox

I had a WLE and SLNB a couple of years ago.

I think that KTatHome has covered most of the questions for you to ask but I have thought of a few more. You might like to ask if the lymphoscintrigraphy, which identifies which SLNB to remove, will be done on the same day as your WLE or the day before and whether it's done at the same hospital or not. Also, where in your body are they expecting the SLNB to be done and how that will affect you afterwards.

Let us know when you have the date for your operations.

x

Hi I've been given a date of 16th Sept 4 days after my holiday. All questions were answered and were given more information that it is acral Lentigious Melanoma 1.6mm stage 1B. Surgeon is hoping to save the toe but it depends on the day who does it. I'm going to enjoy my holiday and think no more but still keep using factor 50 as always. 

At least it wasn't sun related.