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How are you managing long-term effects of pelvic radiation?
Was diagnosed with vulvar cancer stage 1b 1.5 years ago. Have been cleared but suffer from side effects from pelvic radiation. Doctors don’t talk about the side effects of radiation after treatment is over. Developed rectum prolapse as a result of my pelvic muscles being weakened. Can anyone share their dude effects if any?
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I was told stitz bath may help.
vaginal stenosis
Will vaginal stenosis cause itching & irritation?
I had stage 3 vulvar cancer in 2022-2023. I had surgery and had my grapefruit size tumor removed along with some lymph nodes. Then I had 6 weeks of chemo and radiation. I went to pelvic physical therapy and that helped some. My skin is still super sensitive and I put cream on it regularly. Definitely cotton underwear. I did ask at my last visit if my skin will ever be better. And I was told no this was my new normal. Let me know if you have more questions. As of November I am still in remission. I wish you the best.
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2 ReactionsThank you for sharing.
Can I ask what creams do you use? Do you experience any irritation, inflammation or itchiness?
That seems to come & go with me. Just when I think I’m over it, it starts up again. This really interferes with my quality of life!
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1 ReactionI used a compounded cream of lidocaine & silvadene for 2 years. My Dr just changed it to clobetasol propionate ointment. I didn't realize it changed until I picked up. My New ointment seems to be working okay. The irritation, itching and inflammation is ongoing and unfortunately every time you sit or stand up you irritate it. It certainly does change things in regards to quality of life. But I will take it over death. #CANCERSUCKS
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1 ReactionYou are so right! I am thankful when my results come back good! Wish I felt as good . This controls your life. Good & bad days but I guess this is my new life. Do you do anything to help you get thru any bad days?
I find I need to keep busy otherwise too much time to this about this! I am retired & didn’t expect my retirement years to be spent like this😞
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1 ReactionI have both lidocaine & silvadene but was only using them during radiation treatments. The silvadene I thought was for burns? The clobetasol they gave me for the lichen sclerosis. Wasn’t using any of them after radiation was finished. Do you think it’s ok to use any of them? I think it helps talking to other women instead of doctors!!
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1 ReactionI would agree. Keeping busy is your best bet. I'm 56 and I still work two jobs, one full-time sit-down job and one part-time cleaning job. Do u have a partner? I am single so there's that. It is very hard knowing if I am lucky enough to meet someone how that conversation would go. The bad days you should rest if it is the the symptoms of post radiation. If it is mental then talk to someone, do something that brings u joy. I am in Michigan and they have a support group for people with gynecology cancers that is once a month which I attend virtually. I hope this helps. Bobbi
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1 ReactionDo those creams help you?
Yes I am married. He is very supportive and understands I am not even thinking about being intimate. He is ok with that. There is more to love than having to be intimate. I thank god I have him but it still helps to talk with other women that share the same thing! I think a support group is very helpful!