The chemo side effect no-one tells you about

Hi NoTimeforCancer welcome to the forum. I think you make a valid point about side effects of medicines we need but dont always get fully notified of short and longer term effects. It will be good if you can get back to us as this may help  others who may experience this and be looking for something that is useful. Best Wishes. 

I think there is a complete lack of focus on the implications for sexual function. They also don’t tell you peripheral neuropathy can affect the nerve endings there. And in your nose and lips. 

I have TNBC so am lucky that oestrogen blockers have never entered the discussion, and I can continue topical oestrogen pessaries. I feel very sorry for those who suffer from this as someone who had vaginal atrophy post menopause and needed all the help I could get. 

1. Hi NoTimeForCancer

I too got a bit uncomfortable down below . I used Vagasil hydrating gel , it was very cooling and soothing . Hope you find a product that does job for you .

All the best for more comfortable times 

Hi

I was very sore in the same place during chemo and was recommended Vagisil. Soreness has come back now after surgery. A chemo nurse told me about Canesten cream - the one I use is called 'Canescool intimate care'  I got it from Boots. I said that I didn't have thrush but she said to have a go. It has been great and I feel better than I did with Vagisil. Might be worth a try x

Hello,  I never had chemo but just a little tip.  Never use any cleansers or soap on your delicate tissue.  I only use plain water.  Hope it feels better son.  I am on anastrazole so have to be careful because of dryness.  I use hyaluronic acid suppositories every 3 days and that is helpful.  

Hi NoTimeForCancer, thanks so much for this post.

I have noticed that there seem to be many side effects which aren't mentioned. I had to search to find minimal info about the debilitating headaches I had during EC.

I'm also experiencing vaginal changes and discomfort.  My urethra is also affected, but no infection.  I will be speaking to the chemo unit nurses in the week ahead. I'm feeling really daunted, as I'll be taking oestrogen blockers for 5yrs after chemo. 

I'll also check out 'yes yes yes.org I'd not heard of them. Thanks again.

Wishing you well with your treatment and the rest!

Thanks for these comments and suggestions. Good to know I'm not alone!

Thank you for this post I’ve just come across.
I’ve just started my 1st chemo treatment and now have the above problem but wasn’t sure whether the use of vagisil/caneston creams etc were allowed when having chemo? I’m taking it that they can be and have everything crossed that they give me some relief

many thanks 

My oncologist showed very little interest when I complained about my vaginal sores I developed. I was having to pee in the shower with the water running over my vulva as it was so painful. I saw my GP who fast tracked me to a gynecologist who I saw within a couple of days and he sent me for a vulvoscopy (also within a couple of days). I was given a regime of a moisturiser, a special wash and a steroid cream and managed to get on top of it all. I also had painful nasal sores and mouth sores and apparently it is the same kind of tissue. I'm due to start my next chemo drug, Ablaxane, this week and hoping it won't be as harsh on my body!

I used Yes OB- Plant based lubricant. It worked and no-one at the chemo centre seemed to mind me using it. I finished chemo at the end of December and the sore vulva was one of the side-effects that get better soon after the chemo stopped! Good luck.