Stage 1B Malignant Melanoma

Hi,

I had a melanoma diagnosis back in late 2020, followed by the removal of the lesion, and a comment from the surgeon about “you may need a further operation”.

Surely not I thought!

A WLE and SLNB followed and I’m forever grateful that I decided to go with these further investigations, as in my case further spread was detected.

 I’ve since had yet another operation and I’ve now entered my second year of immunotherapy.

In terms of the WLE/SLNB, I think my only questions would be practical items, like: will it be just a day case? (almost certainly yes I would have thought); will a graft be required?; if a graft is required, what’s the likely donor site?; how long will it take to recover from the op?; how long before the area can get wet (I.e. when can you shower, etc.).

I’m sure these will be addressed by your surgeon or specialist nurse before the op.

All the best.

Hi,

I had a 1b nodular melanoma a year ago, not long turned 40. Was removed before i was diagnosed with another suspicious mole. I also had the WLE SLNB and several other suspicious moles removed. I was given the all clear at Christmas and put on 3 months check ups. I can't  give you the right advice as i think everyone is different but i know what a horrible time this is. Please talk to people as sharing does help. I didn't as i thought i was protecting them but it didnt help me. Be honest with yourself and others, don't very bad for putting yourself first, make time for youself. I read many things on here that helped, i wish i had joined earlier. So please talk there are many people who can help and support. There is a light, far away but its there. Its just a journey none of us wanted to take. Try and find something positive to pull you through. Oh and when i had the WLE  SLNB it was the best sleep i had in a long time. 

Sorry for rambling on

Best wishes, hope that everything turns out okay

Thank you for your reply, sorry to see you have had further spread, hopefully your treatment is going well, I think I will have lots of questions before my surgery, thank you for your support 

Take Care x

Thank you for your reply, pleased that you received all clear after your surgery, I have lots of family and friends who are supporting me but its lovely to speak to people on this group as you really understand what I'm going through, I know it's going to be a long 3 weeks until my surgery but I'm trying to keep positive.

thank you for your support x

I hope your surgery went well and hopefully all clear after the biopsies 

Hi Sweetypie thankyou, my SLNB was clear but they found a new melanoma in my shoulder from the WLE i have since had another WLE which was meant to be with a skin graft but my surgeon has managed to do it without   i finally received the all clear 3 weeks ago   hope you are keeping well? x