ulcerated vulva

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I had treatment for vaginal/vulva cancer nearly 2 years ago

About 8 weeks ago I started with what I thought was thrush it then became ulcerated.

I had biopsies about 3 weeks ago and they came back post radiotherapy skin changes.

Since then things have got worse, the pain is horrendous and I'm on morphine, there is now a lump behind the big ulcer, I saw my Macmillan nurse on Monday who gave me the morphine and different creams to try.

I really want to believe my cancer is not back but struggling as things don't seem to be getting any better in fact they are getting worse.

  • Hi  

    I’m sorry you haven’t received any replies so far, but I’m just letting you know that I’ve read your post even though I can’t help specifically with advice.

    Things sound really bad for you-is the morphine not helping at all? I’m not sure if the nurse examined you on Monday but if things don’t improve, then please get in touch again with her. Other combinations of pain relief might be possible, but I hope the creams might be helping too? 

    I can understand why you’re fearful of the cancer returning, but if it is only post radio skin damage which has been identified, it may be that healing takes a long time in such a delicate area. I do at least have an understanding of vaginal pain, having been through that with my own cancer, so I can empathise to some degree with what you’re going through.

    Sarah xx


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  • I can imagine your fears too.  I was treated for vulva cancer almost 2 years ago too and fearful of any reoccurrence.  Your pain sounds horrendous but hope the morphine helps .  I would want to contact my consultant to ask for an appointment so that he can take a look and see what he thinks.  Thinking of you and sending hugs.  

  • Thanks so much for your reply 

    the nurse did examine me on Monday and just said o bless you 

    the morphine is helping but I’m concerned it is taking a lot to take the edge off, I have never experienced pain like this it is way worse than my cancer or treatment 

    I will ring the nurse next week if there is no improvement as I am really concerned that there could be something behind the ulcers as the pain radiates into my buttocks and this has been going on now for about 8 weeks and no sign of healing yet x

  • Thanks so much for your reply 

    the nurse did examine me on Monday and just said o bless you 

    the morphine is helping but I’m concerned it is taking a lot to take the edge off, I have never experienced pain like this it is way worse than my cancer or treatment 

    I will ring the nurse next week if there is no improvement as I am really concerned that there could be something behind the ulcers as the pain radiates into my buttocks and this has been going on now for about 8 weeks and no sign of healing yet x

  • It may be that you need to see your consultant and get a scan of some sort arranged.  It’s horrible to be in that much pain and not seeing any improvement. It gets you down living with it for so long. 

    Sarah xx


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    Cervical Cancer Forum

    Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm

  • Get the team to arrange Tissue viability Nurse to assess you. They can help in management of ulcers. My mum has a large open ulcer despite everything still not healing that well . Recently with new management it is helping and skin growing slowly. God bless