Hello and sorry we all need to be here...but hello all the same

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Hi there everybody

I am currently in the 4th week of recovering from a wide local excision (HSIL/VIN3, HPV-related, and vulvar SCC (squamous cell carcinoma)

On my worst days, I fret and worry and get really angry that this has chosen me. I have worked so hard to stay healthy despite a lifetime of challenges.

On my best days, I'm grateful we have modern medical care for these diseases, thinking about the huge suffering that would undoubtedly be happening without it. Grateful to work from home so I can work lying down. Grateful I SEEM (so far) to have an oncologist who knows what she's doing.

Oh yes QUESTION too: Is it normal for there still be pain and itching 4 weeks after surgery? It wakes me up at night and although I know I can keep taking pain meds, I really want to wean myself off them and get back to something like normal. I still have some scab tissue along the suture lines, and I am afraid of dissolving the scab by putting lotion or ointment on it. Anyone go through this without pulling their hair out?

I wanted to say hello and send out a big hug to anyone and everyone who's going through this mess, and even worse messes.

Love,

latchbrook over 1 year ago

Hi Diamonddogs and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I'm not a member of this forum but noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

I'm sure some forum members will be along soon to share their experiences with you.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Sharon0308 over 1 year ago

Hello Diamonddogs,

welcome to this group, I had vulva cancer and had a wide excision back in 2022 and like you I still think to myself why me? I don’t think that will ever go away. I never had any pain after the operation or itching. I think I was very lucky as I stopped the pain meds a couple of days after coming home. Do you have a macmillan supporter worker who you could ask or try one on the nurses on the chat as they would be the best people to advise. I got lots of tips and helpful information from them, silly little things like what’s the best shower gel to use but their advise I followed and it made me feel so much better as I did not like just using water.

good luck and if there is anything I can do to help just message me.

Sharon

Ex Lancashire Lass over 1 year ago

Hello Diamonddogs, I fully understand your feelings. I had a wide excision radical vulvectomy in June 2023 and took full advantage of any necessary pain relief as it is best to keep on top of the discomfort, rather than letting it get too bad. I didn’t have any itching but it was uncomfortable until the stitches dissolved. Don’t rush yourself to get “back to normal.” It took me over 12 weeks to feel more or less back to normal with walking etc. there again it probably varies with age. I was 73 when I had my operation. I would suggest talking over your itching etc. with a MacMillan nurse or your surgeon, they will advise the best treatment. Please keep in touch if you have any questions. Take care.

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