1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Vulvar melanoma Radiation Treatment

Posted by besissy @besissy, Jul 1, 2023

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!!

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caddo | @caddo | Nov 26, 2023
In reply to @scm "What kind of treatments? Chemotherapy and radiation?" + (show)
@scm

What kind of treatments? Chemotherapy and radiation?

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Radiation

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dgboahn1 | @dgboahn1 | Jun 19 7:01am
In reply to @besissy "I have not had any response to my question so I am following up on my..." + (show)
@besissy

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!

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I hope everything goes well with you. Looks like this was in September? Mom is 91 and just diagnosed with Vulvar Melanoma, which Included a tumor high up on the vagina wall. Getting a pet scan on July 1. She thinking about no treatment. Can you tell me how it’s gone for you and how old you are. Thanks.

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1 reply
Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 19 7:19am
In reply to @dgboahn1 "I hope everything goes well with you. Looks like this was in September? Mom is 91..." + (show)
@dgboahn1

I hope everything goes well with you. Looks like this was in September? Mom is 91 and just diagnosed with Vulvar Melanoma, which Included a tumor high up on the vagina wall. Getting a pet scan on July 1. She thinking about no treatment. Can you tell me how it’s gone for you and how old you are. Thanks.

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@dgboahn1 I noticed that you are new to Mayo Clinic Connect. Welcome and I hope we can helpful to you as we share our experiences and support.

A PET scan will provide your mother and her oncologist with the information she needs to make her decision on what she would like to do - treatment or no treatment. Do you go your mother's appointments with her?

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1 reply
dgboahn1 | @dgboahn1 | Jun 19 10:41am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@dgboahn1 I noticed that you are new to Mayo Clinic Connect. Welcome and I hope we..." + (show)
@naturegirl5

@dgboahn1 I noticed that you are new to Mayo Clinic Connect. Welcome and I hope we can helpful to you as we share our experiences and support.

A PET scan will provide your mother and her oncologist with the information she needs to make her decision on what she would like to do - treatment or no treatment. Do you go your mother's appointments with her?

Jump to this post

Yes, I do and I have pretty good medical experience so I am able to help her understand what is being said as she is also hard of hearing.

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