1. < Gynecologic Cancers
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I’m devastated and struggling with vaginal melanoma

Posted by hoping4cure @hoping4cure, Jan 15 7:16pm

I’m really struggling. I’m a 47-year-old woman, about to turn 48. In November I was diagnosed with vaginal melanoma. I am a vulvar melanoma survivor and have been clear for almost 4 years. At my six month check up my gynecologist oncologist found a 3 mm lesion inside the vagina. I had surgery. during the surgery, They found an additional 1 mm lesion. Statistics of survival online has shaken me to my core. when I had the melanoma on my vulva I went through over a year of immunotherapy which worked beautifully for me. Now I feel like I was given a death sentence. My doctors considered putting me back on immunotherapy, but after much debate decided to start me on radiation, Brachytherapy and then see how I do. my recent scans in December show no evidence of disease so this is a local reoccurrence, If migrating to the vagina from the Vulva could be considered local. I’m spiraling- imagining my teens growing up without a mother, people forgetting about me. I did a deep dive online and there is absolutely no encouraging information. None of my doctors could give me a prognosis when I ask them but no one is telling me I’m gonna be OK either.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

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carol1024 | @carol1024 | Jan 23 6:13am

You should join the private group called Endometrial Cancer Awareness on Facebook. It's for women only on and we just share and discuss treatments and offer tips. The odds are that someone in that group of thousands of members is going or has gone through what you are now.

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jan 23 10:00am
In reply to @hoping4cure "@naturegirl5 yes I go in for “planning” tomorrow and then start radiation on Thursday. 5 sessions,..." + (show)
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@naturegirl5 yes I go in for “planning” tomorrow and then start radiation on Thursday. 5 sessions, 5 mins per session via brachytherapy. Scared out of my mind.

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@hoping4cure It looks like you had your first radiation treatment yesterday. I'm hoping that your radiation team approached you with care and compassion and helped you to feel comfortable.

How was the session for you? How are you feeling today?

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greatgrandma2025 | @greatgrandma2025 | Jan 24 6:52am
In reply to @hoping4cure "@naturegirl5 yes I go in for “planning” tomorrow and then start radiation on Thursday. 5 sessions,..." + (show)
Profile picture for hoping4cure @hoping4cure

@naturegirl5 yes I go in for “planning” tomorrow and then start radiation on Thursday. 5 sessions, 5 mins per session via brachytherapy. Scared out of my mind.

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@hoping4cure Sending love and prayers,

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greatgrandma2025 | @greatgrandma2025 | Jan 24 6:57am

I can't imagine what you are going thru but know that prayer and faith are two things to help you stay calm. You can do this for your daughters. Showing the the strength you have is a blessing to them. Love and prayers you are here and fighting.

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bocabird | @bocabird | Jan 25 4:38pm

I had serous papillary carcinoma 8 years ago- stage 1-2 saw a weird stain color and went to gyno. Had chemo and afterward 3 sessions of brachytherapy- which really was no big deal. Just embarrassing having to spread my legs with the gorgeous Drs. looking there. There is a protocol after brachy-to keep the area stretched open =just a process and I also take Revaree plus to keep lubricated. I have lymphedema from radical hysterectomy and maybe brachy- that is the most annoying thing. Please stop researching on the internet- online told me my cancer type was severe and survival limited - terrible. Touch wood I am ok now 8 years later.

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