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Vulvar melanoma: What treatments did you have?
Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: Jul 3, 2024 | Replies (24)Comment receiving replies
I have had a partial vulvectomy 8 weeks ago and have started radiation. I have only had 5 treatments so far and I am already having effects from the radiation. Red skin, little blisters, and swelling. I use an ointment after every treatment and before bed.
Do you have any suggestions on what to use or what to do to help with these effects? I only have a total of 20 treatments but starting off with effects already is a little concerning for me. Tech says it will get way worse. She said because it was a melanoma that they have to use a higher dose of radiation.
Any suggestions are appreciated!!
Replies to "I have had a partial vulvectomy 8 weeks ago and have started radiation. I have only..."
@besissy I am so sorry that I somehow missed your original post. I have not been diagnosed with vulvar melanoma so I cannot offer you any helpful suggestions for radiation treatment. I going to tag @canadaigua @kanderstag and @caga These members all posted in our support group about their experiences with vulvar melanoma and they may have suggestions.
Here is another discussion group on this topic:
— Vulvar Melanoma Treatments
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vulvar-melanoma-treatments/
Twenty treatments means 4 weeks of radiation and you are now in week 2? The things you have tried including sitting backwards on a bidet sound soothing. How creative of your husband to bring the bidet home for you to use!!
When will you meet with the radiation oncologist or the nurse? I had pelvic radiation for endometrial cancer and met weekly with my radiation oncology team who were very helpful in guiding me through the process.
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I have not had any response to my question so I am following up on my own question of a few things that I have found to help a bit. Maybe some day this will help someone else if they have the same questions.
I am entering into my 2nd week of radiation treatments. I have found that warm Epsom salt baths help to sooth me and my down unders! I like the Lavender salt. I could not take baths after my surgery for 8 weeks per my Dr. But now that I can take them, I have found it to help sooth me.
Another thing that I have found helpful is Ice Packs between the legs. I wear a thin layer of clothing or use a cloth to keep the pack away from direct contact with my skin.
One more thing that has been great and this may sound a little funny... my husband went to the hardware store and found a Bidet Attachment that could easily be installed onto my toilet. By the end of last week I was so swollen that nothing seemed to help. I sat on the toilet backwards (facing the tank), turned it on very low just enough the hit where I needed it to hit and once the shock of the cold water hitting me went away it felt wonderful! I dont know how long I sat there just letting it run. I think it helped with the swelling for sure.
As I go into week 2 I am not sure what to expect but I will continue using these few tools that I have to help relieve some of my discomfort.
If I find anything additional I will sure post again.
Hope this helps someone, somewhere, sometime!
HUGS to all!