Squamous Cell Vulvar Cancer: Who out there has this cancer?

I completed 6 weeks of chemo and radiation in March for Vulvar cancer. I seem to have 2 new "lumps" down there where my lymph nodes are. Is this normal?

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Hi @bobette1, I moved your post to your original discussion here:
- Squamous Cell Vulvar Cancer: Who out there has this cancer? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vulvar-squamous-cell-carcinoma/

I did this so you can easily connect with other women with vulvar cancer like @westnp1 @misstrouble @ljchicago @sillywabbit @jeanadair123 @shanbam @annie7837 @angie0374 @crissyd @stolisnc30 @cjp930 who have joined the discussion.

Bobette, I can imagine that you're scared to feel 2 new areas of concern in your genital (inguinal) lymph nodes. There are many reasons that can cause the lymph nodes to be swollen, like infection or lymphedema from the cancer treatments or something else unrelated to cancer or treatment. It is definitely a reason to contact your cancer care team with your concerns and to find out what needs to be done (if anything).

Can you post a message on a patient portal or contact them in the morning? How are you feeling since completing treatment?

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Thank you for your response. I will try and call the Dr in the morning. I feel like such a worrywart. other than those lumps I am feeling good. Back to work at both my jobs. Getting stronger every day.

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I completed 6 weeks of chemo and radiation in March for Vulvar cancer. I seem to have 2 new "lumps" down there where my lymph nodes are. Is this normal?

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@bobette1 I did not have vulvar cancer. I had uterine (endometrioid adenocarcinoma) cancer in 2019 and a reçurrence in 2021. I think and worry about the cancer almost every single day. For awhile I didn’t tell anyone about my worries but once I did I found out that almost everyone who has had cancer worries about lumps, pains, and most any change they notice. I have pelvic aches and aches in the groin area frequently and finally learned that this is due to the hysterectomy and total hip replacement - two surgeries - I had in 2019.

I think it’s wise to message or call your oncologist and ask about the lumps. It’s frightening to find a change or something new, isn’t it? When is your next appointment with your oncologist?

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They are free to reach out to me. Sadly, not new to it, but the first one was literally "scarring" both physically and mentally, and as problems persist, it would be nice to "speak" to people. I can't find a local "in person" group. Even mastectomies have become openly spoken about, but I feel like women's genital areas are off-limits for any kind of talk. We even talked testicular cancer when it was Lance Armstrong! Why did I not even know I HAD a vulva, considering I had dealt with endometriosis, nerve pain in utero, 2 vulvectomies, 3 laps for cervix, partial ovarian removal, etc.??? You'd think I'd be an expert. I had to read up on the topic! But nothing prepared me for being told it was no big deal, when they can only see the surface. They basically fully diagnose/remove any cancer at the moment of surgery, so they can only guess how "bad" until they actually get you under...then you have no say. I felt mutilated after my first. They said it was necessary. The second was much less traumatic and hopeful for me in the future. I was already told at my follow up today that there is new growth, but mild, so it's already coming back! But they don't touch at VIN 1, so Im basically waiting for it to grow until they have to remove again. At my rate, probably early 2023. On top of that, I hit menopause pre-50 and have some spotted bleeding 1+ after, so multiple biopsies on the uterus today. One week to worry about that one. Prayers it's no big deal. Bobette, boxermomma and wheaton, reach out if you want. - Undesirable nearly 50 singleton mom of 3 female teens here in flyover country feeling all alone in this. Seriously could use some sisterhood here.

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Next appointment until 6/27/23. Thank you for your response.

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@bobette1 Oh, that’s over a month away. I wouldn’t want to wait that long to ask about something that worries me. Did you send a message yet via your patient portal? Perhaps you can make an appointment before 6/27?

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