Hi
I have stage 4 RCC and have been on Pazopanib since November 2023. Side effects were awful on the starting dose of 800mg, and was reduced in stages down to 400mg where I have been since January 2024. Side effects include the usual hair colour changes, raised blood pressure, extreme fatigue, some random breathlessness - nothing I can't manage. However, for the last few months, I have been aware that my skin smells different - in fact every bodily function smells different, Around 2 months ago i started feeling itching and pain in my vulval area. Before contacting my GP i did the usual, changed my washing powder to something for sensitive skin, used Canesten and Lanacane, but nothing worked. Saw a GP who was more concerned about vaginal atrophy (I am 58) and prescribed me hormonal cream. However, this didn't do anything to relieve the itching and pain. The pain has now become excruciating. I have mets in my brain, that have been zapped, but one is apparently showing signs of 'disease progression', and have been told not to drive. I therefore have to walk everywhere, which, when your undercarriage is sore, is not helpful. I saw my own GP who said that I was very red "down there" and prescribed a steroid cream.
The pain is so bad it reduced me to tears. I am also aware that my vulval area smells bad. My skin elsewhere is feeling itchy and as if it is 'buzzing' at times, but I don't have any redness or sores on my palms or soles of my feet. As nothing seems to point to a vulval infection, my GP suggested the Pazopanib might be causing this. I am too embarrassed to tell my (male) oncologist, but I don't know what to do. I take it this is another side effect? I feel like I should request to take a break in the tablets, to allow my skin to recover, but, as the brain mets would appear to be growing again, I'm not sure how sensible this is. Any advice on relieving the pain, or dealing with this would be greatly received. Thank you
