Hi Mary…and all!
Surgery went really well. I haven't met with the surgeon for my follow-up yet (he talked to me when I woke up, but apparently it was a little premature….I don't even remember seeing him!). But, from what I have put together from the various peeps I've talked to so far (dermatologist, plus an ignorant 5th year intern who watched the surgery), it doesn't seem like he took the deep nodes. Of course, I don't know why yet or even for sure. From the post-op report my derm received, it looks like he only took 8 of the nodes.
Based on what the surgeon told my family, he did take the sentinel lymph node from the next chain up in my lower abdomen which was frozen and checked immediately for mel…it was CLEAR! Still waiting on full pathology from the removed nodes. According to my derm, the surgeon's summary indicated I may be able to consider "wait and see" as opposed to further treatment. Of course, this is a serious issue for me to consider. I don't want to have a recurrence and then ask myself "what if I had…".
Overall, I am doing very well. One week out and I am moving around pretty freely. I actually left the house today to run errands and do a short shopping trip at the grocery store. Tomorrow, I will start working on stairs (I live on the second floor). The whole front half of my thigh is numb at the surface, although I am starting to feel the sharp stabbing pains of nerves reconnecting, so that is another great sign! I've been wearing the compression hose, but no signs of lymphadema yet. I have my fingers crossed and my prayers prayed that I am spared this aftermath.
I am sure I will have so many questions after Tuesday's appointment. I always appreciate the thoughts, prayers, and feedback from you all.
Jacki
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