New to the space- just had sentinel lymph node biopsy.

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Hi folks 

I’m Kath. I was diagnosed with what I hope is a stage 1 melanoma 3 months ago. I had my (optional) lymph node biopsy a couple of weeks ago… 

I’ve recently had an axillary sentinel node biopsy for melanoma. I’ve been feeling weird ever since- strange headaches, dizziness,  numb arm, tingling hot and cold sweats and really tired. I found the anaesthetic pretty heavy duty, then had to follow it up with a course of strong antibiotics (unrelated to the surgery). 

Nothing looks obviously infected. I was very stressed on the run up to it though… it’s been two weeks and I still feel out of sorts. No idea what’s normal… what were your experiences? I’m also in the perimenopause and struggle with anxiety so it’s hard to know what’s caused by what! 

  • Hi  and a very warm welcome to the group which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    I'm sorry to read how you've been feeling since you had your sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Apart from feeling sore for a few days around the area in my armpit where the node was removed, I didn't have any other side effects.
    I know you said that nothing looks infected but it would probably be a good idea to get checked out. You could give your cancer nurse specialist (CNS) a call tomorrow morning or, if you were given a contact number to call after the biopsy, give that a call. In the meantime, as it's a weekend, you could always call NHS111 for advice.

    It would be great if you could put something about your diagnosis and treatment to date into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

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  • Hello Kath, welcome to this corner of the world. It’s a nice place to be when you need to share anything….worries, anger, anxiety. It’s unfortunate what brings us all here though. You have a lot going on, I hope you managed to give your cancer nurse a call. I’ve always found mine really helpful, and if she isn’t at her desk when I call her, she gets back to me the same day.

    xx

  • Hi it may be an infection as I had lymph nodes taken from groin last year and 2 weeks after operation it swelled up and went red. I was given antibiotics and it cleared up 

  • Thanks- just created myself a short profile. X

  • Got a dr appointment today to have it checked and redressed. Unfortunately I’ve been referred to the cancer team in Leeds rather than my local one in Halifax… so they’re quite a long way away.

    I might give the nurse a bell today, thanks for the reminder… I’ve seen so many different people since this all started, I kinda forgot who was there to help!