Radiation therapy for vulvar cancer

Teresa,
So good to get back to you and everyone. It's been good to focus on doing something for him after all he's done for me. He's very happy to see clearly again, even better than before the cataract developed. Being just two weeks out of course I'm turning into a neurotic bundle of nerves, but not unusual for me. Lol. The scans being done under sedation make a huge difference, but gotta get through the sedation part without a nervous breakdown. Is there any part of this that's easy? I know there really isn't but I can dream, right? I'll try to get on here more often. Hope all is going well with you and still looking forward to that coffee date!
Vicky

Just checking back in. I've commented on other boards but have been horribly lazy about checking in, period. No excuses. My days run together it seems and chemo brain makes it even worse. I do wonder how you are Teresa and Colleen. I cannot thank you both enough for all the support. I read back through some posts and they still bring tears to my eyes. I made it through my last PET/CT on May 1st without sending my virtual SOS out to you so I'm claiming personal growth. Lol. Of course, hubby was there being my rock, as usual. This recovery business is no joke, and I had to complicate things with pneumonia. The details of the first 6 weeks after chemo and radiation are best left unsaid. I had no warning about chemo brain. I also did not let myself think about the long term effects of both treatments. I am sure thinking about them now. But on the other, I'm alive to deal with them so that is what I will do.
Please let me know how you are,
Vicky

@vsinn2000 Vicky,

I'm so pleased that you checked in with an update. I too, am glad that you are alive to tell us your story. When I stop to think how far you have come from your first couple of posts I realize the tremendous strength that you have always had. I am glad that Colleen and I had the opportunity to help you bring forth that inner strength that was there all the time. I know the "virtual hand-holding" was important at that time.

I am sorry to hear about your pneumonia that must have been difficult to deal with in combination with everything else that was going on.

Kudos to your hubby, also known as your Rock, he certainly provided that personal support when you needed it most. Yes, I have heard about the chemo-brain phenomenon from others. I hope you can deal with it effectively (get lots of post-it-notes!).

I am doing OK, thanks for asking. I have some chronic health problems, and have developed a few new ones, but I'm dealing with them (you know all about that).

I always enjoy hearing from you, take care and keep in touch.

Teresa

@vsinn2000 Hi Vicky,

As it has been a while since you have posted I was wondering how you are feeling these days. I hope that you are adjusting to your "new normal" and feeling somewhat better from the after affects of the chemo.

When you have a moment, I would enjoy hearing from you.

All my best wishes to you and to "your rock."

Teresa

I was also diagnosed with vulvar melanoma a week ago and have my first appt. at Mayo on Dec. 7th. From what I have read, surgery will come first, then chemo, then immunotherapy and lastly radiation. Are you at Mayo?
Let's share what happens at our appts. to see if the plan is similar. I am super anxious over this first appt. and the team concept as well. Was your vulvar cancer melanoma or squamous?

Im diagnosed with Pagets
Its a cancer that no one seems to have a treatment for except extraction which is surgery a long healing time. With most certain reoccurrence
There is a cream that may kill the cancer cells but it sounds pretty uncomfortable I go the Dr today. I will report back as after surgery 1 year ago I am pretty certain I have a reoccurrence. Hang in there glad you are at The Mayo
I may be headed there as the University of Washington is letting me down.

Please get another opinion. Baylor Med School in Houston? Tx or Tulane med school in New Orleans are worth the trip. They might do phone consultations. Gyno Oncology