Hi ladies, I'm new to the group but unfortunately a veteran to the vulva cancer. I won't go into everything right now but I am thinking of all of you who may be just beginning your journey. Stay diligent in your surveillance. My precancer and cancer began in 2007 & after four wide local excisions I was referred to Mayo where I still go since 2013; many years we traveled up to 15 times in one year from MI to MN for my cancer.
It is not easy, you are your biggest advocate because you know your body best. Biopsies suck, but they are so important. I used to say after about 7 surgeries, "why aren't we doing chemo or radiation" and many surgeries later, I endured chemo and radiation and all it did was make my case worse. The damage my body has now from the radiation is horrible and we can't go backwards only forward. I'm a big advocate for standing up for yourself, asking for the best of the best...even at Mayo there are some not so great surgeons and physicians. Hugs to all of you!