Hi
I had a wide local excision and sentinel lobe biopsy on the 4 October, The scar on my back is healing OK and I think the biopsy site is healing well, but feels a bit uncomfortable, I have noticed that the area under the scar is beginning to feel like I have a sausage in my armpit and I can feel it when my arm is down by my side. it's beginning to come more noticeable, even typing this email I can feel it as my arm is stretched out My question is, is this how it is meant to feel? I have never had surgery before so don't know what it is meant to feel like or should I get this checked out. The scar is healing and my skin is not inflamed. It isn't squidgy, more of a solid mass. I get my results on the 5th November, should I wait till then or go to the Dr.
Thank
D.E.N
Hi and how are you?
Have you had the results of your WLE and SLNB yet? Hoping that there was no melanoma found in them 
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
That's great news that no cells were found in your WLE or SLNB
I know it can feel awkward when you're with your consultant but if you have questions to ask always ask them. They do have lots of patients to see, and it can feel a bit like you're on a conveyor belt, but in my experience they'll always take the time to answer your questions if you ask them.
I'm assuming that the February appointment you're referring to is the first of your 3 monthly check-ups but you don't have to wait until then if you're worried about other moles you have.
You should have been given the contact details of a skin cancer nurse specialist (SCNS) at the hospital where your consultant is based. If you're ever concerned about something in between your check-ups then she is the person to call. In my experience their phone nearly always goes to answerphone, as they're usually with patients, but if I leave a message they get back to me within 24 hours. If the nurse thinks that you should be seen sooner than your next appointment she'll get you an appointment with your consultant in the next few days. It's likely to be fitted in at the end or the beginning of surgery but you will be seen.
You are correct when you say that you no longer have cancer but these check-ups make sure that there's no sign of it on your skin or in your lymph nodes. Hopefully, you've been given advice about how to check yourself once a month.
Unfortunately, just because your existing melanoma hasn't spread this doesn't mean that all your other moles are okay and yes, you would have to have them removed and biopsied if your consultant felt that they needed to be removed. Have you had your whole body checked at anytime since the first mole was discovered?
Let us know how you get on when you phone your SCNS.
x
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
Hi again
It is usual to be checked all over, when you have been diagnosed with melanoma, at some point between diagnosis and having your WLE and SLNB. Mine was done when I went for my pre-op.
As you say you're worried about these other moles please don't wait 2 months to have them checked but contact your SCNS so that you can be seen sooner. They won't think that you're being a nuisance and would much rather remove the moles sooner (if they need removing) than later when they may have grown further.
When you go for your check-ups you'll be asked how your general state of health is and whether you've noticed anything recently that's concerning you. You will then strip down to your underwear and have your skin looked over and your lymph nodes checked. This is also the time to ask any questions you might have.
The whole appointment probably only lasts about 5 minutes but, as the clinics are often running late, be prepared to be at the hospital for quite a while!
"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"
