Hi Jeff,

The fluid build up you are experiencing is called a seroma. The doctors don't really like to do a fine needle aspiration more than once as it can lead to infection. Most seromas are therefore left and they eventually start to crystalise & break down but it takes a few months. However, if the seroma gets too big & impedes your movement they may drain it again. The problem is that the lymph is still finding a different path to travel & it will collect where the nodes used to be until it finds that path. My seroma (groin) wasn't as large as yours - it was drained once & then left - it took 6 months to break down & disappear. Have you been shown any self massage to do to help the lymph move in the correct direction?

Have you had the results from the lymph nodes back yet? If not, that will be the next step so that you can be staged correctly. If melanoma is found in one or more of the axillary nodes you will be Staged as 3 and you will then see an oncologist with regards to adjuvant drug treatment. 

I hope this helps,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient)

Hi Angie

PET & MRI Scans I'm told were "clear". Had another 550mls. removed from my left armpit again.Thats 2 weeks after the original drain. Perhaps the fluid is hopefully subsiding? Waiting to hear from an Oncologist for a phone call soon. Where can I find  something that will clarify some of the terminology used on this & other sites ie. Stages & what they mean  to name one.

Hi Jeff,

I can't find a UK based website that gives a list of melanoma terminology but this is an American one - please be aware that some of the terminology may slightly differ here & any drugs referred to may be different. I hope it helps. If there is anything you can't find or understand let me know &, if I don't know the answer I'm sure I will know someone who does www.aimatmelanoma.org/.../

For an explaination of Stages this should help www.melanomauk.org.uk/stages-of-melanoma

I'm assuming the oncologist will give you the node biopsy results when they call & that is when they will definately know your stage.

Meanwhile, It's great that your scans are clear - that's a huge weight off your shoulders. It does sound like the lymph is starting to slow down. It may cause a smaller seroma before it completely dries up but don't worry, it will eventually crystalise & break down itself. 

Good luck with the phone call. Please let us know how you get on,

Angie

Hi Angie,

Spoke to the Oncologist via the telephone on friday. Seems my problem is a Stage 3c Melanoma & the way forward is likely to be 1yr. medication either intervenously at intervals of 1 mth.with perhaps other medication maybe. I am expecting some forms & consent forms to appear via the post before having blood tests & seeing the Oncologist at the hospital at sometime. The seroma under my armpit seems to be settling down a little ( not quite so swollen as previously ) so I am going to see if it continues to improve!  Thanks for the link to the explaination to some of the termimology.

Thanks Jeff

Hi Jeff,

It's good that your team have got your treatment plan in place. Adjuvant drug therapy has only been available to Stage 3 patients since the autumn 2018 & it's showing great promise. I'm glad the seroma seems to be settling down. It took quite a few months for mine to disappear but it will sort itself out eventually. 

Good luck with the treatment,

Angie

Hello again Angie,

Update so far..........blood test done locally prior to 1st. visit to Oncology Centre at Maidstone on   13/05/2020 for treatment with NIVOLUMAB ( OPIDIVO ). So far so good !  Another blood test 2 days before next treatment on 10/06/2020 then another treatment on 08/07/2020. Follow up appointments with Oncologist on 08/06/20 & 03/08/20.

Regards Jeff

It sounds like you have a good treatment plan Jeff. Good luck & I hope you suffer no or only slight side effects. Some patients manage to get away with suffering none.

Angie x