I was diagnosed in May with this stage 3 Vulva cancer. At first everything seemed to move quickly, tests and diagnosis done within 1 month, then I was referred to a separate hospital to see consultant who would be doing operation as there was more involved than originally thought as they were unable to carry out surgery at original diagnosis hospital, partial vulvectomy and LH/RH lymph removed in groins. Further pre op appointment done here then finally got an admittance date for 29th august only for this to be postponed due to me having to have bloods re-done, respiratory tests and had to see anaesthetist. Well that was over 6 weeks ago and I’m still waiting for a date to be admitted….Drs & consultant Strikes & consultant holiday finished but still no date confirmed…..all this time and I’m worried that the cancer which hadn’t spread to lymph nodes originally could now be spreading if left too long!! The longer this is left the pain is worsening and I’m struggling mentally as I live alone and already suffer with depression and anxiety.
Does anyone have any tips on how to cope with the stressful day to day whilst still working
Hi Debs1311 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer type journey can help a lot.
The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Specific Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Vulva cancer forum support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the group click on this link> Vulva cancer forum then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)
When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.
We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.
Hi, gosh that sounds awful, im sorry you have had to go through all that.. you shouldnt have to wait that long for the operation, we were lucky and everything went kinda fast to start with then we had 9 months where they couldnt decide if it spread, it had and my partner has had lymph nodes removed which brings a whole new host of issues.
i hope some progress has been made by now, but try to always find something to do each day or someone to chat to, do little
its in your routine to break it up and to relax you, even after all the surgery etc, always here for a chat if you need to, i have struggled with animals and depression a lot, and having to watch my partner go through this is really hard
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
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