Vulvar melanoma: What treatments did you have?

I can only comment on my experience so far. Vulvar melanoma, 3 surgeries for removal and last path still shows in situ cells. The depth was 14mm so immunotherapy and radiation was recommended. PET AND SLN negative.
I started immunotherapy last week and start radiation in 3 weeks. Monitoring by PET scans and exams every 3 months.
This is at UCSF skin cancer and Melanoma Center. So far I’m feeling comfortable with the treatment plan.
Good luck going forward in your journey.

Thank you, Hope all goes well with your treatment. My treatment starts soon I hope.

Best to you!

I have been fighting Vulvar Melanoma for 19 years. It has always been in situ. I have had 10 surgeries. My last surgery was about 3 weeks ago. Most was in situ but there was an area that was invasive. I did have clean borders after the surgery, but my Dr. wants to go back and get wider margins and also remove my lymph nodes. This starred when I was 44 years old. Please, all thoughts are appreciated. Thank you

Had surgery in Feb. to remove melanoma, they thought they got it all but possibly saw a stringer so I was started on ketruda in March. In July I noticed some lumps. Finally in Aug. I got another ct pet scan which showed the cancer is in the lumps I felt and also spread. They told me stage 4 and we will be starting an aggressive chemo. treatment soon and that I will be on some kind of treatment for the rest of my life. I guess my question is ,is this treatable to the point of having a longer life? Is it something that can be manageable? At least they didn't say hopeless yet,so I'll fight as long as I can.

I'm also tagging @besissy to join this discussion.

@canadaigua, that must've been shocking news to hear that the cancer is stage 4 now and that you may be on treatment for life. Luckily today, many people live long and well with stage 4 cancers. What cancer regimen will you be starting? Will you also have Keytruda immunotherapy?

They have me on chemo carboplatin and paclitaxel. My doctor wanted bevacizumab but the insurance denied it so yes I am still on ketruda for now. Yes it was quite a shock, I understand melanoma is the worst cancer type but I was hoping for better news. I hope this regimen will work to keep it from getting worse and shrink what I have. Thank you for responding. I'm told my doctor is the best in the area, so I pray that this works.

My mom is 91 And just diagnosed with uvular Melanoma And has a tumor in vaginal wall. It is a rare cancer. Just wondering if Anyone here has undergone treatment, your age, and hell that has gone for you. I would appreciate any input. Thanks, Debbie

Hi @dgboahn1, I moved your question about treatments for vulvar (vaginal wall) melanoma for your 91-year old mom to the Gynecologic Cancers support group, specifically to this existing discussion:
- Vulvar melanoma: What treatments did you have?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vulvar-melanoma-treatments/

I did this so that you can read previous posts and connect easily with fellow members like @canadaigua @kanderstag @caga who have experience with vulvar melanoma.

Debbie, what treatment options have been suggested for your mom? How is she doing?