Just had complete lymph node dissection

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  • This topic has 8 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 8 years ago by Raco.
  • Post
    • March 18, 2018 at 2:13 am
    Raco
    Participant

      6days ago on March 12, 2018 I had CLND under my left are, my Dr noted that he removed a 

      sack of lymph nodes and sent to pathology. No results yet.

      question: Has anyone had issues with the back of

      my upper arm feeling numb and from time to time I 

      get needle pain around the 5.5” incision area. 

      Will not see surgeon until end of next week for follow up 

      And to have my drain tube removed, as of now

      i getting about 4.oz in each 24 hr period but it will

      be removed When it’s down to 1oz every 24 Hr period

      THE next plan is to start on Opdivo every two weeks for a year

      any feedback appreciated 

      RACO

       

       

       

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    • Replies
        • March 18, 2018 at 2:41 pm
        Bubbles
        Participant

          The sensations you describe are pretty common for most of us having had a CLND.  It is due to disruption to the nerves in the area.  It gradually gets better over time.  Sounds like you have a good plan of action in place!  Hang in there.  Hopefully, you will be feeling better soon.  celeste

            • March 18, 2018 at 3:08 pm
            Raco
            Participant

              I appreciate your input, I have posted several during my journey with Melanoma started January 25th 2018 First diagnosed and you have always been encouraging and helpful

              i wish you all the best in your journey

              Robbie B

              • March 19, 2018 at 3:01 am
              dessie
              Participant

                Hey Robbie,  Welcome to the club…not one everyone wants to join however this forum and all the information you can gather here is always valuable.  My CLND of my right groin was Feb 8…all rest of the lymphs were thank God,were negative.  My drain was in for almost 3 weeks which is longer than usual from what I have read and was draining anywhere from 20 – 60 cc daily till pulled.  Numbness around and on the incision site remains and has been 5 weeks or so.

                Let us know your results and I will start my second infusion of Opdivo March 22.  So far so good…just exceptionally tired.

                Will be thinking of you and hope your results are negative with uneventful infusions.

                All the best

                Dessie

                • March 20, 2018 at 4:48 am
                Raco
                Participant

                  Dessie:  thanks for replying to my message.

                  our cancers are kinda similar, diagnosed 1/25, removed tumor and two positive lymph nodes on 2/5 

                  went Thru Brain MRI 3/1 & Pet on 3/3 Both came back  negative.

                  Went back to surgery 3/12 removed lymph nodes

                  plan is to see oncologist Wed 3/21 to set up treatment plan which he already mentioned Opdivo every two wks for year with follow up scans.   GREAT NEWS this afternoon: got biopsy back and the Lymph Node sack removed came back as ALL 15 WERE NEGATIVE FOR METASTATIC MELANOMA CANCER

                  i would like to stay in touch about your progress and experience with Opdivo so it will also help me understand what’s going to happen,

                  On my way to being Cancer free fingers crossed

                  Take care and let’s stay in touch

                  raco

                  Robbie Borum

                  • March 25, 2018 at 2:19 am
                  Raco
                  Participant

                    Hi DESSIE

                    how was your second infusion opdivo?

                    i have a education class with the nurse on Monday at the Oncology office.

                    i guess they will tell me about my infusion etc, than on Thursday March 29 I should be starting my 1st dose of Opdivo

                    hope it all go’s well

                    Robbie

                    raco

                  • March 19, 2018 at 3:39 am
                  Linny
                  Participant

                    I had this procedure in January 2011. The numbness is normal. Just think of it as "pain control". You will gradually get feeling back in that arm pit. Took me about 2-3 years for the numbness to go away 100%. It was my arm pit, so it didn't phase me too much at all. 

                    You will be at risk for lymphedema in your left arm. But there are preventative measure you can take to control it. If you travel, you will need to wear a compression sleeve to keep fluid from building up in your left arm on flights. There's some great information about lymphedema on breast cancer related web sites (can't believe the link I tried to provide triggered the spam filter — jeez! MRF, you can do better). Just google "step up speak out lymphedema".  Those patients have to deal with it as well.

                    Not everyone who's had lymph node removal surgery gets this condition, but it never hurts to get yourself educated and to get measured for a compression sleeve to use for airline travel. The best individual to educate you would be a physical therapist who specializes in manual lymph drainage. Your surgen should be able to provide you with a referral. If your surgeon isn't much help, someone in a breast cancer support group in your local hospital should be able to steer you in the right direction.

                    Opdivo is a great option!!!!

                      • March 20, 2018 at 5:01 am
                      Raco
                      Participant

                        Thank you for the info

                        TODAY March 19 2018 GREAT NEWS this afternoon: got biopsy back and the Lymph Node sack removed came back as ALL 15 WERE NEGATIVE FOR METASTATIC MELANOMA CANCER 

                        plan is to see oncologist Wed 3/21 to set up treatment plan

                        • March 21, 2018 at 1:45 pm
                        Linny
                        Participant

                          Congrats on the good news!! I hope you found a way to celebrate this milestone. If you were anything like me, it probably was the first piece of good news you had from the doctor since your diagnosis. smiley

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