Hi I've recently been diagnosed with stage 3b grade 3 vulva cancer. After a few surgeries the margins are clear so vulva all good ( sort of) but unfortunately macrometastasis in 2 lymph nodes which to be honest I wasn't expecting. All down to lichen sclerosis. I will be starting 5 days a week for 5 weeks treatment of chemo/ radiotherapy. Not what I thought I would be doing on my 60th birthday.
Any one any useful tips regarding the radiotherapy,which will be groin and pelvis. How to handle after effects etc. and treatment during . Sending strength and positivity to everyone one of wherever your journey is taking you.
Hi
I'm Just starting week 2 of the same program of treatment as you. The first day was quite overwhelming but feel a bit more in the swing of it now. I’m keeping hydrated and moisturised as advised , feeling a bit tired but apart from that ok. It may increase as the weeks go by I’m told , get plenty of rest and relaxation. Good luck with it all
Mel
x
Hi Bpositive
I had cervical cancer, but the same schedule of treatment as you’re going to have. For me, radiotherapy side effects didn’t kick in until I stared my 3rd week of treatment, so after 10 sessions. My recommendation would be to tell your team anything and everything if you start to get side effects as they will prescribe things to help.
My side effects were on my bladder and bowel, and I had diarrhoea and radiation cystitis. I used Diprobase as a general skin moisturiser which I was given at my first chemo session, and then aquaphor cream for my cystitis which was prescribed for me when I said how sore it was! They also prescribed flaminal cream. You need to use creams which have been prescribed as being suitable during radiotherapy as some may interact with the treatment, and make sure you don’t put creams on just before going for a radiotherapy session.
I found tiredness was my main side effect as treatment went on and it was cumulative-the more sessions I had, the tireder I felt. I rested when I could, and had extra naps. I had someone to take me to my treatment appointments as we are a long way from the hospital.
Not everyone gets all or any of the side effects we are told might be possible, so you’ll need to see how things go. I hope things will go smoothly for you.
Sarah xx
I went through my chemoradiation in 2018 so sometimes it feels like a lifetime ago!
I am well now, thank you, but I’m happy to share any tips I found helpful at the time for me.
Sarah xx
