Regional lymph node disection following positive sentinel lymph node in groin

Hi,

My husband (diagnosed with Stage 3A melanoma in 2004) had regional lymph node dissection in the groin after two sentinel nodes resulted microscopically positive to melanoma.

After surgery he had to keep a small catheter to drain the liquid coming out of the wound. After three or four days they took the catheter out.

He has been wearing compression stocking on th eright leg since, to avoid edema (swollen leg) and it has worked for him.

I wish you the best.

Consuelo (Husband Diagnosed Stage IIIa – June 2004 – 1 year INF)

Hi,

My husband (diagnosed with Stage 3A melanoma in 2004) had regional lymph node dissection in the groin after two sentinel nodes resulted microscopically positive to melanoma.

After surgery he had to keep a small catheter to drain the liquid coming out of the wound. After three or four days they took the catheter out.

He has been wearing compression stocking on th eright leg since, to avoid edema (swollen leg) and it has worked for him.

I wish you the best.

Consuelo (Husband Diagnosed Stage IIIa – June 2004 – 1 year INF)

With mine they rerouted the sartorius muscle and I was off work for about a month. Had 2 drains at the top of the leg and those stayed in for about 2 or 3 weeks. 

I could walk okay but couldn't go up stairs or even go up or down a single step. Find out if they are re-routing that muscle because it will make a big difference in recovery. Had to keep it elevated and went through plenty of pain pills, but again, more because of that muscle.

I do have lymphedema and have to wear a knee high compression stocking during the day, but nothing at night. 

Hope that helps!

With mine they rerouted the sartorius muscle and I was off work for about a month. Had 2 drains at the top of the leg and those stayed in for about 2 or 3 weeks. 

I could walk okay but couldn't go up stairs or even go up or down a single step. Find out if they are re-routing that muscle because it will make a big difference in recovery. Had to keep it elevated and went through plenty of pain pills, but again, more because of that muscle.

I do have lymphedema and have to wear a knee high compression stocking during the day, but nothing at night. 

Hope that helps!

I didn't find the procedure too bad.  It depends on where the lymph nodes are, and how many you have, every one has a different number I had 24 under my right arm with and addition 4 sentinel nodes.  I checked in the day of the surgery.  Like with most surgeries it's hurry up and wait, which I think is the worst part.  You meet the anesthesiologist and maybe more of the team, doc talks at you a little, nurse preps you.  If you got at all sick to your stomach the first time tell the anesthesiologist they can help with that. 

I woke  up with maybe a three inch incision, a catheter (if that is a correct term) and a drain tube.  They kept me over night.  No pain, but the nurse kept me pumped full of pain med.  Went home with a RX for Vicodin and instructions for taking care of the drain.  Drain is pretty simple, easier to have someone else do it but after a week or so, I was able to do it myself.  Sleep with the area where the drain is slightly elevated, like with a pillow next to it, I tried to keep my arm on the pillow (ha).  Never was too much pain, just a such inconvience.  My drain stayed in for 25 days because I wouldn't stop draining so doc finally pulled it for fear of infection. 

Healing once the drain is out may be slow, it is not unusual to have a nerve or two nicked in the process.  I'm 15 months post-surgery and nerves are just about done healing.  However, if that's my biggest worry I can deal with it! 

Like I said, it really isn't that bad.  Yes, i ended up with some lympedema.  But as soon as I was completely healed I saw a massage specialist and it is pretty well controlled now.  I do have a compression sleeve for when I fly.  You'll be fine and come through with flying colors!

Good Luck,

Mary

Stage 3

I didn't find the procedure too bad.  It depends on where the lymph nodes are, and how many you have, every one has a different number I had 24 under my right arm with and addition 4 sentinel nodes.  I checked in the day of the surgery.  Like with most surgeries it's hurry up and wait, which I think is the worst part.  You meet the anesthesiologist and maybe more of the team, doc talks at you a little, nurse preps you.  If you got at all sick to your stomach the first time tell the anesthesiologist they can help with that. 

I woke  up with maybe a three inch incision, a catheter (if that is a correct term) and a drain tube.  They kept me over night.  No pain, but the nurse kept me pumped full of pain med.  Went home with a RX for Vicodin and instructions for taking care of the drain.  Drain is pretty simple, easier to have someone else do it but after a week or so, I was able to do it myself.  Sleep with the area where the drain is slightly elevated, like with a pillow next to it, I tried to keep my arm on the pillow (ha).  Never was too much pain, just a such inconvience.  My drain stayed in for 25 days because I wouldn't stop draining so doc finally pulled it for fear of infection. 

Healing once the drain is out may be slow, it is not unusual to have a nerve or two nicked in the process.  I'm 15 months post-surgery and nerves are just about done healing.  However, if that's my biggest worry I can deal with it! 

Like I said, it really isn't that bad.  Yes, i ended up with some lympedema.  But as soon as I was completely healed I saw a massage specialist and it is pretty well controlled now.  I do have a compression sleeve for when I fly.  You'll be fine and come through with flying colors!

Good Luck,

Mary

Stage 3

I was in the hospital for 4 days to have the remaining lymph nodes in my left groin removed.  The surgeon had to re-route a muscle, which must not be done all of the time.  I only noticed one other person mentioned it.  I think that made it harder to move and added significantly to the discomfort.  I tried to go back to work the next week, but could only get out of the car if I could open the car door all of the way, which was not always possible depending on parking space.  I worked out of the house.

My drain was removed just before I went home from the hospital so I did not have to deal with it.  I was told to wear a compression stocking for a year.  I wore it, and hated it the entire time.  I still occasionally wear it, but only if I notice any swelling. Right after surgery I did experience minor swelling of upper leg and groin, which was very uncomfortable, but that went away over time.

My entire upper leg was numb for quite a while.  You could poke me with a stick and I could not feel it.  Now 4 years later, much of the feeling has come back, but there is still a numb area close to the groin. 

All of this was a surprise to me.  I did not know what to expect and had no one to ask.  I'm glad we can give you a little heads up.

Mike from Richmond

I was in the hospital for 4 days to have the remaining lymph nodes in my left groin removed.  The surgeon had to re-route a muscle, which must not be done all of the time.  I only noticed one other person mentioned it.  I think that made it harder to move and added significantly to the discomfort.  I tried to go back to work the next week, but could only get out of the car if I could open the car door all of the way, which was not always possible depending on parking space.  I worked out of the house.

My drain was removed just before I went home from the hospital so I did not have to deal with it.  I was told to wear a compression stocking for a year.  I wore it, and hated it the entire time.  I still occasionally wear it, but only if I notice any swelling. Right after surgery I did experience minor swelling of upper leg and groin, which was very uncomfortable, but that went away over time.

My entire upper leg was numb for quite a while.  You could poke me with a stick and I could not feel it.  Now 4 years later, much of the feeling has come back, but there is still a numb area close to the groin. 

All of this was a surprise to me.  I did not know what to expect and had no one to ask.  I'm glad we can give you a little heads up.

Mike from Richmond