Hi there,

I'm SO sorry to hear that you're having such trouble. I had the same, and many other side effects. The steroid cream for direct application (Clobetasol Propion 0.05%) gave me the greatest relief. I had split skin and open sores. I also took the Fluconozole in large doses. The symptoms subsided over a few (torturous) weeks. Oh, and I had Xylocaine 5% ointment, twice daily application to reduce the pain. However, the pain was excrutiating. I was heard saying it was worse than unmedicated childbirth! Having said that, I survived and everything healed and I completed my chemo.

Follow on to that, I've been using an estrogen insert (Vagifem 10) and an external estrogen cream (Premarin 0.625 mg/g) 3 times per week, which I started once the sores had healed. I still use the steroid cream (Clobetasol Propion 0.05%) when I have flareups. (Yes, I'm 1 year post-chemo and still have flareups....... they're quite manageable though - really.)

I'm very lucky to have a gynaecology oncologist, as well as my primary oncologist. Can you get one of those, as well? She's been immensely helpful. As has the ongoing estrogen usage.

I know it's painful, but hang in there, and keep asking for help. Your team will have seen this before and have tricks up their sleeves. Do take their advice though - I had a couple adjustments to my course of treatment due to side-effects. The treatment is supposed to help you, not do more harm! xo