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Has anyone had Paget's disease of the vulva?

Gynecologic Cancers | Last Active: Sep 27 8:18am | Replies (142)

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@ameliae

I was diagnosed with Paget's Disease of the Vulva on April 28th, almost by accident. I have had it for at least 7-8 years, followed by my GP. So few medical people know anything about it, including my GP. I was having a polyp removed in late March and a good friend (a pharmacist) suggested I ask the surgeon to biopsy my vulva. Alas! There it is. I've wrestled with it. had tests. Seen different docs and ended in the oncology/gynecology clinic with amazing women surgeons who work as a team. I've been on a roller coaster since April 28th, but now, after various tests, options presented, knowledge that margins are not clear and that it comes back in a very high percentage of cases, my age (almost 77), and I live alone - I have pretty well decided to live while I'm alive and not have the surgery. It has been slow growing. Maybe that will continue. Vaseline helps with the pain present in one spot more than others. I have an appointment with the cannabis clinic at the hospital to see how they can help with pain. I had a consult with a plastic surgeon who says he could do it --- huge areas of my thigh used ... however, he also suggested I might ask for surgery to remove the most painful areas. Next appointment with surgeon mid-October. I've done a lot of research to educate myself. It has been beyond stressful, as you know. May your healing come ... Troubling that so few medical people know about it. For that reason, I gave permission (it was mine to make)for the others the plastic surgeon brought in to see. Looking for other ways to share - and have done so with friends and on facebook ... would like to be able to do more at a hospital level or in other ways. I keep speaking of it there. Only two others have been treated for it at this hospital.

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Replies to "I was diagnosed with Paget's Disease of the Vulva on April 28th, almost by accident. I..."

Thank you so very much for sharing. I know it isn’t easy to talk with complete strangers about this disease. I feel very blessed to be in an area with a top notch Cancer center and to have a doctor who is a specialist. My Pagets is invasive and I was onboard with the surgeon to remove all that was present, including sentinel lymph nodes in both sides of my groin. The surgery is not easy, but he was able to get clear margins with no skin grafts.
I have a post op appointment tomorrow (I might be able to have the drains removed!).
I do have someone to help me at home; preparing meals, cleaning, so that is a huge help to me. I commend you for being able to take care of yourself alone. I know that is tough.
Thank you again for your input! I hope you can find some relief from the pain soon.

Thank you for sharing your story. So just to clarify, you did try surgery in the past, but have now decided to do without surgery? Where are you at with things now? Hope you are healing!