Hello everyone, I’m new to the group and am only at the start of my journey and feeling a bit lost. I have lots of questions, that despite me asking my specialist don’t seem to get answered so I’m hoping you guys can help me.
History- After years of vulval itching I was sent to a dermatologist, who ordered a biopsy which confirm VINlll. I had a wide local excision to remove the affected area 9 and a half weeks ago. The following biopsy showed Vulvar cancer. The next steps are to remove some more tissue as my closest margin is only 3.4mm and to do a sentinel node biopsy.
Now for my questions-
What can I expect from the sentinel node biopsy? Any info around recovery and pain ect much appreciated. Also I have read about leaving hospital with a drain. Is this always the case or does it depend on the individual?
I have had discomfort in and around my anus since my wide local excision. People seem to think I’m mad when I say it, but it isn’t my imagination, it’s very real! The nurse in recovery laughed when I was expressing my concerns around the pain being in the wrong place as I come round from the anaesthetic... I wasn’t joking, it hurt like hell in my back passage and still does. I’ve mentioned it to my new consultant, but I don’t think he understood what I was trying to say. I’m terrible with understanding accents and his was strong, so it could be just me that wasn’t understanding. Has anyone else experienced this? Does anyone know if my back passage would have been examined or any instruments inserted to help with the wide local excision? Could the wide local excision itself have caused this discomfort?
Thanks in advance to anyone that has taken the time to read this xxx
Hi Lost and looking for answers. Welcome to the group, but sorry You haven't had a reply to your post yet. The pain you are experiencing sounds awful. Didn't help having such an unsympathetic nurse in the recovery room with you.
I was going to suggest that you asked your question in the ask the nurse section, but I can see you have already done that. I hope her advice has helped.
Take care
Hi,
Yes the pain is pretty bad if I’m honest 
I honestly feel traumatised from the way I was treated in my last procedure. The nurse was lovely and I feel it is more likely to be that my surgeon didn’t pass on enough information, but to be laughed at when you have a genuine concern isn’t nice at all. I think she thought it was the effects of the anaesthetic, but I was very serious and confused about the pain being in a different place and I still am now.
The nurses reply was very helpful thank you 
️ I wasn’t very clear with what I wanted to know so I have replied, but I think I already know the answer. I just want to know if there’s anything that could make what I’m experiencing ‘normal’ or if it’s not normal then an idea of what could be going on, but I don’t think it’s something that can be answered on here. I just want to be able to go back and say I think I may be experiencing.... as so far I’m getting nowhere with just describing my symptoms. I’ll contact my new nurse in hope she can help me xx
I think asking your nurse is the best way forward. You shouldn’t have to put up with pain, it is frustrating that you have to fight your corner to be taken seriously, but don’t give up until you get the answer. I hope this is sorted for you soon x
