Has anyone rejected a CLND ?

I am all for changing diet and trying alternative therapies in conjunction with some sort of established medical treatment for melanoma.  From the research I have done, it's advisable to have a groin dissection when nodes are found by ultrasound.   I had a partial groin dissection for just micromets undetectable by ultrasound.  There is a much higher chance of spread when the nodes are found by ultrasound and they along with their mates should come out.  Are they the inguinal nodes?  Maybe the MD would consider just removing them. That is called a partial lymph node dissection.  I have a small amount of lymph edema that has not affected my quality of life at all except for I don't like my chubby ankle. Small price to pay for a much higher increased chance of surviving to a ripe old age.  I fly frequently, go in jucuzzi's, and am generally working or moving 16 hours per day.  It hasn't  affected my quality of life at all.  I don't think you will find many people on this board who would make the decision you have made as most of them are alive today because  they accepted standard melanoma treatments for their disease.  But, you have to do what you think is best for you. Good luck and best wishes to you.

I am all for changing diet and trying alternative therapies in conjunction with some sort of established medical treatment for melanoma.  From the research I have done, it's advisable to have a groin dissection when nodes are found by ultrasound.   I had a partial groin dissection for just micromets undetectable by ultrasound.  There is a much higher chance of spread when the nodes are found by ultrasound and they along with their mates should come out.  Are they the inguinal nodes?  Maybe the MD would consider just removing them. That is called a partial lymph node dissection.  I have a small amount of lymph edema that has not affected my quality of life at all except for I don't like my chubby ankle. Small price to pay for a much higher increased chance of surviving to a ripe old age.  I fly frequently, go in jucuzzi's, and am generally working or moving 16 hours per day.  It hasn't  affected my quality of life at all.  I don't think you will find many people on this board who would make the decision you have made as most of them are alive today because  they accepted standard melanoma treatments for their disease.  But, you have to do what you think is best for you. Good luck and best wishes to you.

I am all for changing diet and trying alternative therapies in conjunction with some sort of established medical treatment for melanoma.  From the research I have done, it's advisable to have a groin dissection when nodes are found by ultrasound.   I had a partial groin dissection for just micromets undetectable by ultrasound.  There is a much higher chance of spread when the nodes are found by ultrasound and they along with their mates should come out.  Are they the inguinal nodes?  Maybe the MD would consider just removing them. That is called a partial lymph node dissection.  I have a small amount of lymph edema that has not affected my quality of life at all except for I don't like my chubby ankle. Small price to pay for a much higher increased chance of surviving to a ripe old age.  I fly frequently, go in jucuzzi's, and am generally working or moving 16 hours per day.  It hasn't  affected my quality of life at all.  I don't think you will find many people on this board who would make the decision you have made as most of them are alive today because  they accepted standard melanoma treatments for their disease.  But, you have to do what you think is best for you. Good luck and best wishes to you.

My elderly father chose not to do the SNB for a stage II lesion.  Then a few years later, he had a palpable lymph node (armpit).  Because of his age and physical condition (and also because he didn't want major surgery), we just cherry picked that lymph node knowing it wasn't a cure.   He didn't end up having other palpable nodes, but he did have subcutaneous spread within a year.  (You could see the dark lines on his chest under his armpit).  His melanoma was apparently slower growing, most likely just because of age (87 at the time of subcutaneous spread).  He passed away at age 89.  For him, cherry picking was the right choice given his situation.  But had he been younger, I don't think he would have gone that route.

My elderly father chose not to do the SNB for a stage II lesion.  Then a few years later, he had a palpable lymph node (armpit).  Because of his age and physical condition (and also because he didn't want major surgery), we just cherry picked that lymph node knowing it wasn't a cure.   He didn't end up having other palpable nodes, but he did have subcutaneous spread within a year.  (You could see the dark lines on his chest under his armpit).  His melanoma was apparently slower growing, most likely just because of age (87 at the time of subcutaneous spread).  He passed away at age 89.  For him, cherry picking was the right choice given his situation.  But had he been younger, I don't think he would have gone that route.

My elderly father chose not to do the SNB for a stage II lesion.  Then a few years later, he had a palpable lymph node (armpit).  Because of his age and physical condition (and also because he didn't want major surgery), we just cherry picked that lymph node knowing it wasn't a cure.   He didn't end up having other palpable nodes, but he did have subcutaneous spread within a year.  (You could see the dark lines on his chest under his armpit).  His melanoma was apparently slower growing, most likely just because of age (87 at the time of subcutaneous spread).  He passed away at age 89.  For him, cherry picking was the right choice given his situation.  But had he been younger, I don't think he would have gone that route.

Many people in your situation faced the same decision.  I chose the CLND because I wanted to be as aggressive as possible to stave off recurrence.  I did it, had a few minor complications but after two years am glad I did.  I think alternative diets, therapies, etc., can certainly be part of your plan.  If the lesions are confirmed malignant and they are identifiable and resectable , give some thought to removing it.  Also, wherever you're being treated, maybe you could look into the Integrative Medicine department if they have one.  I've received some good advice on so e of the diet exercise and supplement options to help support my treatment. I personally would not entrust my total treatment to lifestyle changes.  Of course, age, other physical conditions and overall health are considerations prior to deciding on surgery.  Good luck with your decision!!

Many people in your situation faced the same decision.  I chose the CLND because I wanted to be as aggressive as possible to stave off recurrence.  I did it, had a few minor complications but after two years am glad I did.  I think alternative diets, therapies, etc., can certainly be part of your plan.  If the lesions are confirmed malignant and they are identifiable and resectable , give some thought to removing it.  Also, wherever you're being treated, maybe you could look into the Integrative Medicine department if they have one.  I've received some good advice on so e of the diet exercise and supplement options to help support my treatment. I personally would not entrust my total treatment to lifestyle changes.  Of course, age, other physical conditions and overall health are considerations prior to deciding on surgery.  Good luck with your decision!!

Many people in your situation faced the same decision.  I chose the CLND because I wanted to be as aggressive as possible to stave off recurrence.  I did it, had a few minor complications but after two years am glad I did.  I think alternative diets, therapies, etc., can certainly be part of your plan.  If the lesions are confirmed malignant and they are identifiable and resectable , give some thought to removing it.  Also, wherever you're being treated, maybe you could look into the Integrative Medicine department if they have one.  I've received some good advice on so e of the diet exercise and supplement options to help support my treatment. I personally would not entrust my total treatment to lifestyle changes.  Of course, age, other physical conditions and overall health are considerations prior to deciding on surgery.  Good luck with your decision!!