librarian_doug

Hello,

This thread is a bit old but it fits my description exactly so am sending out a question.

I'm Stage 3B, had the wide area excision and SNB, with one positive node. I am getting differing opinions on further lymph node removal but the consensus still seems to be that it is the right thing to do.

I have been referred to a large urban melanoma clinic (I live in the sticks) and have yet to discuss details of the surgery with the doctors.

So, a very simple question: Is this done as an inpatient or an outpatient? Since I have to have it done away from my home, doing this as an inpatient presents some logistical issues.

Thank you. 

Hello,

This thread is a bit old but it fits my description exactly so am sending out a question.

I'm Stage 3B, had the wide area excision and SNB, with one positive node. I am getting differing opinions on further lymph node removal but the consensus still seems to be that it is the right thing to do.

I have been referred to a large urban melanoma clinic (I live in the sticks) and have yet to discuss details of the surgery with the doctors.

So, a very simple question: Is this done as an inpatient or an outpatient? Since I have to have it done away from my home, doing this as an inpatient presents some logistical issues.

Thank you. 

Hello,

This thread is a bit old but it fits my description exactly so am sending out a question.

I'm Stage 3B, had the wide area excision and SNB, with one positive node. I am getting differing opinions on further lymph node removal but the consensus still seems to be that it is the right thing to do.

I have been referred to a large urban melanoma clinic (I live in the sticks) and have yet to discuss details of the surgery with the doctors.

So, a very simple question: Is this done as an inpatient or an outpatient? Since I have to have it done away from my home, doing this as an inpatient presents some logistical issues.

Thank you. 

Thank you, Brian, for your information. I saw two melanoma specialists in the closest major urban area to us, one who recommended "watch and wait" and one that recommended the surgery. I've decided to go with the surgery, as I don't think I could live with "watch and wait." The waiting would be too anxiety-producing.

The surgeon said probably 2 nights in the hospital but I've read that some patients require up to 8. The surgeon said that because I'm not obese, fit, male and relatively young the risk of complication is quite low.

I've found many studies questioning the benefit of lymph node dissection but until "the" major study (MLST 2, I believe it's called) is completed, the surgery is still the "standard of care."

Thank you again,

Doug

Thank you, Brian, for your information. I saw two melanoma specialists in the closest major urban area to us, one who recommended "watch and wait" and one that recommended the surgery. I've decided to go with the surgery, as I don't think I could live with "watch and wait." The waiting would be too anxiety-producing.

The surgeon said probably 2 nights in the hospital but I've read that some patients require up to 8. The surgeon said that because I'm not obese, fit, male and relatively young the risk of complication is quite low.

I've found many studies questioning the benefit of lymph node dissection but until "the" major study (MLST 2, I believe it's called) is completed, the surgery is still the "standard of care."

Thank you again,

Doug

Thank you, Brian, for your information. I saw two melanoma specialists in the closest major urban area to us, one who recommended "watch and wait" and one that recommended the surgery. I've decided to go with the surgery, as I don't think I could live with "watch and wait." The waiting would be too anxiety-producing.

The surgeon said probably 2 nights in the hospital but I've read that some patients require up to 8. The surgeon said that because I'm not obese, fit, male and relatively young the risk of complication is quite low.

I've found many studies questioning the benefit of lymph node dissection but until "the" major study (MLST 2, I believe it's called) is completed, the surgery is still the "standard of care."

Thank you again,

Doug