posted by annieo
08 March 2013
Post Groin Dissection
Last reply:
21 October 2015 11:50
Hi. I recently had a left inguinal/groin dissection, end of January, for Melanoma that had spread to the sentinel lymph node. Last week I heard that none of the nodes removed were positive for melanoma. I know the news was great (I am grateful) but I'm nowhere near feeling like I can just put it all behind me, smile and get on with it. Does that sound selfish? I feel that's just what is expected of me!
I have little other information on my personal melanoma case, to date. I wasn't prepared with questions on the day I got the results as I wasn't expecting results that same day.
I have to wait 3-4 months for my follow up appointment with surgeon. I've been told that I will be seen by a melanoma follow-up person also, but again, not for another three months. I can not believe the wait! I am very anxious about being cast aside for three months, without further explanation.
I feel very let down by the system, that no-one has once sat me down and spoken to me informatively or caringly about my melanoma. It is a dangerous cancer and I have no doubt that anyone who has ever been diagnosed with it has experienced the fear. There was no melanoma nurse that I could call, no information leaflets etc. etc. etc. My experience has been purely surgical.
It has been a scary time for me. I have (and do still) feel very much alone on my melanoma journey. There seems to be very little support for melanoma patients, in my area at least. There is so much I want to know. So many questions I want to ask. All that said, I have a super G.P. and have found other avenues to seek out information. As for leg lymphoedema, no-one warned me, or ever even mentioned to me that I would be at risk to develop it! (Thanks to the Irish Cancer Society for sending me on their lovely leaflet on prevention of leg lymphoedema )
I would love to hear from anyone who has had a groin dissection for melanoma. I'd be interested in hearing about your personal follow up experience, time-scales etc. I'd also love to hear advice on post-op leg care etc., Do I really have to keep my leg up all the time while sitting?? I braved the cinema last week and it was a disaster trying to keep the leg up!
Thanks, Annio
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