Hi Sara/sarafyn 

I'm sorry to read that you've recently discovered that your melanoma has spread to your inguinal lymph nodes and that you now need a lymph node dissection. I haven't had this operation but I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again and hopefully someone who has had this operation will pop on and share their experiences with you.

Macmillan has quite a lot of information on lymph node dissection for melanoma and clicking here will take you to it. It might answer some of your questions.

All the best seeing the surgeon next week.

Anne

Hi Sara,

So sorry to hear your story. I had a similar situation with a mole on my stomach that wasn't initially biopsied and ended up at stage 2C by the time it was & identified as a melanoma.

I had a SLNB & WLE completed, melanoma was found in my SLNB, now at stage 3C the consultant advised I have a full dissection of the lymph nodes in my left armpit (axilla)/neck, 17 lymph nodes were removed. 

I was in hospital for 3 nights and left with a drain that was removed after 7 days. I was off work for 3 weeks and I would recommend completing the exercises the physio gives you daily. I am pleased I still have full range of arm movement. I'm now going through 12 months of immunotherapy with scans every 3 months to check for any re-occurrence.

The operation was not too invasive, just make sure you rest & try not to worry about it. I know easier said than done.

I hope this helps, stay positive you can get through this.

L

I had them removed in my right groin 1 year ago. I was in hospital 3 days  but its left me with lymphedema right down my thigh and nerve damage on that side , I've had to stop working because of it . And it still progressed to stage 4  .  

Hi, I had a Groin / Pelvis lymph nodes dissection in Sept 22 after they discovered 2 lymph nodes were infected, this was after the initial sentinel node dissection and wide excition. 

They took out all lymph nodes in my groin and 2 from my pelvis, in total around 10 were taken. I was in hospital 5 nights, I had 2 drains. It does take a while to get over but not overly painful, I found a bumpy ride in a car the worse thing. 

I them immunotherapy for a year. 

My groin still plays up if I lift things but it's bearable, I also have very slight lymphoedema, but hardly noticeable. 

I have had several reacorances, new tumours but none have been in lymph nodes, I am currently having T Vec injections in my lower leg for a few tumours but they are getting smaller and disappearing. 

I hope it all goes well, keep positive, I thought after the my diagnosis of Melanoma in my lymph nodes I was doomed but I'm still here and walk 6 miles a day even after around 7 operation, immunotherapy, t Vec. I feel as fit as ever. 

You'll get through it, even if you get further set backs don't give up there is lots of treatment out there for Melanoma. 

Jason