Hi All -

I was diagnosed with CUP in July 2022 My cancer was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of gynae origin.  

18 months after finishing 600 hours of chemo and having liver and left groin lymph node resections - scan showed enlarged lymph node in in right groin last September (2024) bear with me . . . . . . . . .

In October 2023 I found a vaginal lump which was diagnosed as a Bartholin's cyst 

April 2024 cyst still there  I contacted my oncologist to say that I had read that, although very rare these can be cancerous.  A biopsy was arranged and 3 samples taken - it was described as a 'hard, craggy lump' - results showed no cancer but the cyst remained.

'Cyst' grew slowly and was quite hard and an abnormal shape - I mentioned this to my oncologist in September when the right lymph node was found and she was surprised the lump was still there - she said biopsies could not be 100% accurate because the cancer cells could be missed.

It was decided that I would have the lump removed and this happened December 17th last year - THIS IS A BARTHHOLINS GLAND TUMOUR AND HAS TURNED OUT TO BE MY PRIMARY !

Treatment is now targeted with 30 x pelvic (3 areas) radical radiotherapy and 5 rounds of chemo (cisplatin) at the same time in an effort to cure me. 

I started this on Monday this week.

I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel and I am no longer CUP - I am very lucky that my primary has been found and I would like to think that this can give give others some hope - if something doesn't feel right - get it checked and checked again.  I am grateful for the team looking after me they are amazing.

Best wishes everyone

Dawn