Gynecologic cancers: What do you wish you had known?

I had a rare basal cell carcinoma removed, with a partial vulvectomy. I got this suddenly, with no indication that anything was wrong--just a nasty lesion that appeared. My surgery was several weeks ago, but now I have a long slow healing process. I am totally frustrated with this, do not know how to explain it to anyone who asks. Any ideas?

I am older. Had a hysterectomy at after youngest child. Have not had a pelvic exam in 45 years until the end of march. "Not needed, we don't do them anymore ". Just prescribed creams for dryness. So now having third set of biopsies under anesthesia. The new practice of not checking women after menopause and not listening to symptoms must change.

Allowing me time to focus on what metters resonates. Thank you.

@kate14 I am older, too. Haven't had a pelvic for years, just like you, because it was not needed any more. Why do doctors not understand women's bodies? Now I'm truly deformed, but at least this didn't happen while I was young. It's psychologically devastating. And I will have to be watched for the rest of my life. No treatment except excision, unfortunately. I will just hope for the best. Hugs to you, too.

I had months of "weeping" that I thought was just being 50-something and those little leaks you get then and again. I only got it checked out because it was January and there were cervical cancer awareness posts on instagram mentioning this as a possible cancer symptom. There is just so much you don't know about your body, or that you've gotten used to various discomforts over your life and you just put up with it. I don't know how much difference it would have made if I had gone to the doc sooner but it was pretty dumb on my part.

@janthetravlr you are the only person on this site I've connected with. Thank you. I've had two sets of biopsies: not enough. Next week, 5, at hospital under anesthesia, seven deep ones. Surgery the 15. No results from yesterday pet scan. I think they plan a major scoop. Scared. Live alone. Symptoms ignored for years.

@janthetravlr I have only tidy a few friends. Of course, the literature shows gov so people think std. of course, doesn't matter but dignity? Privacy? I like Jan the traveler.

Change tidy to told. Gov to hpv. Edit? Lazy me

@kate14
You will get through this. You need to have a good clinic and a good surgeon who you trust to do this. It is hard to be disfigured, but the option of cancer that could be much worse, is not really an option. Best for you to know what's happening in your body. I live alone also, but I have friends who support me and know how to listen. Keep going. Please let me know how you're doing.

@janthetravlr thank you for your encouragement