Radiation and chemo for vulvar cancer

Hi I'm sorry you having to look forward to chemotherapy and radiation. I received chemotherapy for uterine cancer. I didn't receive radiation.

Chemotherapy is no picnic but you can get you body prepared for it. I started by seeing a holistic/Functional doctor. The holistic doctor doesn't treat cancer but he assesses my over all health and makes recommendations for supplements and nutrition. There is immerging awareness that cancer and many diseases are the result of metabolic dysfunction. I was prescribed a metoblic syndrome diet. The diet is very low in carbohydrates and dense in nutrition. I stepped up my physical activity and I did this while receiving chemotherapy and I continue this even now. It's a life style change. I did very well through chemotherapy. I did everything my oncologist wanted me to do and he supports my work with a holistic doctor. Somethings you won't be able to prevent like low white blood counts, but you can do a lot to support to our body through chemotherapy. And just know that I does come to an end.

Denis

@tammielynn Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our Gynecologist Cancers Support Group. You already have one supportive post from @denisestlouie who as you can see worked closely with her oncologist and a specialist in holistic medicine.

There are some discussions here in our group on treatments for vulvar cancer including radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Here are some you might like to read through and see if these member posts answer your questions. Some of these discussions may be a few years old but they are still on our active list. If you choose to post on any of these your post will alert those who have posted there in past.

Radiation Therapy for Vulvar Cancer

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/radiation-therapy-for-vulvar-cancer/

Vulvar Cancer: Anyone Else?

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/vulvar-cancer-1/

Your final sentence captures what many of us have felt and still feel: "I feel like I’m on a life raft with no way to tell which way the wind is blowing."

What do your doctors say about moving into additional treatment?

I had vulvar cancer in 2022-2023. I had a radical vulvectomy left side. After surgery it was decided I needed radiation and chemo for 6 weeks. The radiation was daily for 6 weeks and the chemo was once a week for the 6 weeks. I felt like I was on fire from the inside out for parts of it. I remember it being uncomfortable to sit I know I used a donut pillow. They gave me some cream that made things better. I have been cancer free for 2 years. This is an aggressive cancer as I am sure you know so I welcomed the treatment. Best of luck to you! Let me know if you have more questions.
Bobbi

I am sorry to hear you are going through Vulvar melanoma. I have received lovely support from this group as I know you will also.
I had a complete vulvectomy in 2023 followed by radiation and immunotherapy. The radiation was uncomfortable, but the nurses were very supportive, giving me various creams to alleviate some of the discomfort.
Be sure to ask about medicinal, honey which I know sounds a little strange but was very effective!
I had immunotherapy for 13 months with a few side effects that were immediately dealt with and have not caused lasting problems. I get regular PET scans, which have been negative since my original diagnosis.
Keep in touch and let us know how you’re doing and if there’s any specific questions I can help with be sure to reach out
Best luck!

@bobette1

im glad you are on this forum
i was told no radical surgery, need to do 4 weeks of radiation
im scared to death hearing about fatigue and pain
if u can let me know mote about your fight

please anything that helped u
post
im starting radiation for vulvar cancer stage 2

It’s good to see you are still reaching out for support here.
When you get to RADIATION, be sure to ask the staff about creams and the medicinal HONEY I previously mentioned to help with the discomfort.
I did have a problem sitting for a while and used a “Purple “ (that’s a brand name) pad on my driver’s seat in the car as well as a doughnut to sit on at home
Also, the nurses can give you a bottle that you can use for warm water to help relieve some of the discomfort as well as to be sure to keep the area sanitized.
Reach out if I can provide any further support.
Best luck. I tried to keep in mind through my 20 radiation treatments that this too shall pass and things will get back to normal..