So... to say my diagnosis was a smooth process would be entirely incorrect!
After my doctor noticed slight lumps down below she (thankfully!) referred me to another doctor who suggested I had a biopsy to rule out the possibility that it could be VIN, a pre-cancerous condition. To me (and my mums!) horror the results came back saying it was High Grade VIN, the most serious form.
I was incredibly upset and distressed as it had not crossed my mind I could or would have a pre-cancerous condition at such a young age - I was just enjoying university!
Following the biopsy results I was sent to a private specialist in Colposcopy. She did staining tests on me and read the biopsy results and stated that it seemed to her more like Low Grade VIN and I was not to worry. The following appointment with her she said she believed the VIN had entirely gone - a HUGE relief and my family, friends and I celebrated!
HOWEVER, after seeing a NHS doctor who specialised in cancer and VIN he also thought I didn't have VIN but suggested I had a mapping biopsy just in case. So a few days before my university exams I had another biopsy, with the results showing I had multi-focul High Grade VIN.
I was first diagnosed in October 2017 and its taken a full 7 months for the correct diagnosis and treatment to begin. It was a real rollercoaster - a lot of tears and sleepless nights as i'm sure everyone in this position has had! Since I am unusually young for this my doctor wants to try avoid wide local excision/vulvectomy so tomorrow I am having my first treatment - Laser surgery. He hopes to laser one side tomorrow, then 3 months later laser the other side. This laser surgery will then be repeated up to 3 times with biopsies taken inbetween to see if it is working. A lot of surgery.. all just as my summer holidays start, but I'm determined to go ahead with my work and travelling I planned and not let this get in the way.
I am pleased I finally understand exactly what is wrong with me and that treatment is going ahead. But also petrified not so much for the surgery, but the recovery time and how it will change me physically down below.
I will update you tomorrow!
