The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Stage 3a, questions

Forums General Melanoma Community Stage 3a, questions

  • Post
    Becky C.
    Participant

      Hi. I am stage 3a, had microscopic cells in sentinel node, had 6 more nodes removed that were all clear. I was given a very good prognosis by my oncologist, he said it is most likely that I am cured but he can't tell me one hundred percent, because it did get to the one node. He said there is that small chance that cells could bypass the nodes or that cells could have been in lymph vessels in between the primary and the lymph nodes. I don't feel that worried about the nodes, I think it most likely stopped at the sentinel.

      Hi. I am stage 3a, had microscopic cells in sentinel node, had 6 more nodes removed that were all clear. I was given a very good prognosis by my oncologist, he said it is most likely that I am cured but he can't tell me one hundred percent, because it did get to the one node. He said there is that small chance that cells could bypass the nodes or that cells could have been in lymph vessels in between the primary and the lymph nodes. I don't feel that worried about the nodes, I think it most likely stopped at the sentinel. i do worry alittle more about the other, because I did have a high mitotic rate. My breslow was not real deep, 1.57mm. Does anyone have information about how often this happens? In the reading I have done, I have not read any examples of  a recurrence in the lymph nodes after having a dissection.  If it did, would it go to my remaining nodes that are there? Thanks, I appreciate any feedback.

    Viewing 1 reply thread
    • Replies
        JerryfromFauq
        Participant

          With no ulceration (where cells could have excaped into surrounding tissue) There is always a chance that if undetected cells are in the lymph vessels that a couple of things can happen.  The one that we hope happens is that the bodies immune system kick butt on them. (can happen.)  Another is that they never grow/collect into nodules to bother us.  The problem is that they can also collect and expand in us and cause problems later on.  This is why one must be vigilant for life.  Don't be paranoid, but do get scans and follow up by feeling for lymph nodes in that area getting larger.  (Don't make them sore by excessive palapatation.)  Remember there are reasons other than melanoma for a lymph node to swell, Just learn why, if one swells.  (Hopefully an infection!)

              I had ulceration in my lymph nodes and two years later felt a lump that did not show on a PET scan.  It kept growing fast.  I made an appointment with my great Melanoma Oncological specialist surgeon and he remmoved it immediately. That was in Jan 2009.  My stage IV lung tumors are still in my lungs, but are not growing.  

             Yes, if in vessels, they could go to remainiing lymph nodes, That is why to be vigilant.  Do not let melanoma win by default.  Paranoia lets it win by default, Vigilance can intercept its advance and with the advances being worked on now, who knows what we can outlive or what else we can die from.  LIVE LIFE!

           

          P.S. You should copy your post over to the main BB which hundreds of people read a day.  The off topic is not used a  lot and is mainly for miscellanous posts. (jjokes, menu's, etc.)

            Becky C.
            Participant

              Thanks for your fast response. I did not realize i was on the off topic forum. I will copy it over.

              Becky C.
              Participant

                Thanks for your fast response. I did not realize i was on the off topic forum. I will copy it over.

              JerryfromFauq
              Participant

                With no ulceration (where cells could have excaped into surrounding tissue) There is always a chance that if undetected cells are in the lymph vessels that a couple of things can happen.  The one that we hope happens is that the bodies immune system kick butt on them. (can happen.)  Another is that they never grow/collect into nodules to bother us.  The problem is that they can also collect and expand in us and cause problems later on.  This is why one must be vigilant for life.  Don't be paranoid, but do get scans and follow up by feeling for lymph nodes in that area getting larger.  (Don't make them sore by excessive palapatation.)  Remember there are reasons other than melanoma for a lymph node to swell, Just learn why, if one swells.  (Hopefully an infection!)

                    I had ulceration in my lymph nodes and two years later felt a lump that did not show on a PET scan.  It kept growing fast.  I made an appointment with my great Melanoma Oncological specialist surgeon and he remmoved it immediately. That was in Jan 2009.  My stage IV lung tumors are still in my lungs, but are not growing.  

                   Yes, if in vessels, they could go to remainiing lymph nodes, That is why to be vigilant.  Do not let melanoma win by default.  Paranoia lets it win by default, Vigilance can intercept its advance and with the advances being worked on now, who knows what we can outlive or what else we can die from.  LIVE LIFE!

                 

                P.S. You should copy your post over to the main BB which hundreds of people read a day.  The off topic is not used a  lot and is mainly for miscellanous posts. (jjokes, menu's, etc.)

            Viewing 1 reply thread
            • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
            About the MRF Patient Forum

            The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

            The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

            Popular Topics