SLNB while pregnant? Seeking advice or experience

Hi Anon,

My name is Ashley and I'm a stage IV melanoma survivor with a history of the disease during pregnancy. Here's my quick story:

August 2013 – 29 years old with 8 month old; diagnosed with stage 1b melanoma; clear SNB and PET scan. 

July 2014 – 30 years old and 20 weeks pregnant; felt lump in groin and 2 days later had it biopsied under general anesthesia. Came back metastatic. Had a complete lymph node dissection at Mayo Clinic while 23 weeks pregnant. In total, 4 affected modes. MRI without contrast (because of baby) showed no other disease.  it was the toughest decision I ever made, but I chose not to go on any treatment…not that there were a lot of adjuvant options at that time. I also chose not to have any other scans but did have bimonthly ultrasounds. (Not to freak you out, but melanoma is one of 3 types of cancer that can spread from mom to placenta.)  I was induced at 37 weeks and had a PET scan five days later. Mets covered my liver and I also had many subcutaneous spots and one decent sized tumor on my spine.  You don't want to know my whole treatment history, but I am cancer free currently. My son is a healthy  and happy two-year-old. We're doing lots of normal things like potty training and transitioning to a big boy bed. I feel blessed to be a part of it. 

 I am not a doctor, but just someone who's been through the trenches. Here's my advice for you. 

1) YES, do the SLNB. It is very safe during pregnancy. I know it's really tough  to think about the medicine  affecting your baby. As moms we are super careful while we are carrying a child.  However, I'd hate for you to decide not to do it in progress. 

2)  Talk to your dermatologist about more frequent skin checks. 

3)  Make sure your OB doctor is aware of your condition. 

My melanoma specialist at M.D. Anderson full heartedly believes that my disease was so aggressive because of pregnancy. I actually had a tubal ligation on Friday because she advises me not to get pregnant again considering my history.  I'm not trying to scare you,  but I do believe it is important you take care of this now. 

Also, sometimes I hesitate sharing my story. Most people don't progress. However, I don't think it's the time to sit back and wait. 

Please feel free to send me a message if you need someone to talk to or have any other questions. I don't always check back on the board for responses. 

Ashley

ashley.seykora@gmail.com

Hi Anon,

My name is Ashley and I'm a stage IV melanoma survivor with a history of the disease during pregnancy. Here's my quick story:

August 2013 – 29 years old with 8 month old; diagnosed with stage 1b melanoma; clear SNB and PET scan. 

July 2014 – 30 years old and 20 weeks pregnant; felt lump in groin and 2 days later had it biopsied under general anesthesia. Came back metastatic. Had a complete lymph node dissection at Mayo Clinic while 23 weeks pregnant. In total, 4 affected modes. MRI without contrast (because of baby) showed no other disease.  it was the toughest decision I ever made, but I chose not to go on any treatment…not that there were a lot of adjuvant options at that time. I also chose not to have any other scans but did have bimonthly ultrasounds. (Not to freak you out, but melanoma is one of 3 types of cancer that can spread from mom to placenta.)  I was induced at 37 weeks and had a PET scan five days later. Mets covered my liver and I also had many subcutaneous spots and one decent sized tumor on my spine.  You don't want to know my whole treatment history, but I am cancer free currently. My son is a healthy  and happy two-year-old. We're doing lots of normal things like potty training and transitioning to a big boy bed. I feel blessed to be a part of it. 

 I am not a doctor, but just someone who's been through the trenches. Here's my advice for you. 

1) YES, do the SLNB. It is very safe during pregnancy. I know it's really tough  to think about the medicine  affecting your baby. As moms we are super careful while we are carrying a child.  However, I'd hate for you to decide not to do it in progress. 

2)  Talk to your dermatologist about more frequent skin checks. 

3)  Make sure your OB doctor is aware of your condition. 

My melanoma specialist at M.D. Anderson full heartedly believes that my disease was so aggressive because of pregnancy. I actually had a tubal ligation on Friday because she advises me not to get pregnant again considering my history.  I'm not trying to scare you,  but I do believe it is important you take care of this now. 

Also, sometimes I hesitate sharing my story. Most people don't progress. However, I don't think it's the time to sit back and wait. 

Please feel free to send me a message if you need someone to talk to or have any other questions. I don't always check back on the board for responses. 

Ashley

ashley.seykora@gmail.com

Hi, I am curious what you ended up deciding. I am 3 months pregnant and just diagnosed. No idea on staging yet but see surgeon and oncologist in a couple of days. Due to the size, I've been told they will need to check for spreading to lymph nodes but my dr wasn't sure how they would move forward due to pregnancy.