Squamous Cell Vulvar Cancer: Who out there has this cancer?

@bearl, have you had a chance to speak with your doctor and get clarification and a game plan?

I was wondering if any of you can tell me what i should be looking or feeling for to keep an eye on myself? I had a VIN 1 area on vulva that they removed with laser and one near the vaginal opening. I have a yearly appt with the gyn-onc to keep an eye on it. But the first lesions were so obviously different I could not have missed them. I am concerned because i have recently had 2 squamous cell carcinomas removed from my skin, on was invasive on shoulder and i hear this increases your risk for that type of cancer as well as having 2 or 3 of the high risk HPV markers. Any advice would be appreciated.

I had surgery on Friday. Im more confused now. My VIA lit up some areas. I don’t know what’s next. I understand the feeling of being lost and alone as the doctors play this close to the chest. Very frustrating. Just wish someone would talk about this straight forward.

Well bending and sitting suck so I walk- 30 mins a day and more if I’m up for it. Yes to modifying. The longer I’m in radiation the more it hurts to sit , bend, stretch, ect. I ate my last dinner out today, just too painful to sit, (even with a big fluffy pillow ) and with the worst still coming. I’ve been holding off on pain meds unless I can’t stand it. I am an oil painter - landscape. With a passion for plein air :). I’ve been doing a lot of studio work since before surgery. My 4th week starts wed and I am happy I’m half way but dread the rest. I have great people at the radiation center and a great surgeon!

Welcome, @artist64. Great tips!

What type of exercising did and do you do? Did you have to modify your regular activities? And, of course, with a username like yours, I have to ask - what is your artistic medium?

@bearl, I'm checking in again. How are you doing post op?

Diagnosed, surgery for radical vulvaectomy and lymph nodes removed and radiation which I am doing now. I was not aware how much they would remove in surgery. My cancer involved a tumor in the barholins gland which was removed also. Sitz baths are wonderful during radiation . Keep exercising and hydrated thru out, helps with the freaking mental emotional roller coaster we are on. Hugs!

I had squamous cell carcinoma. 2013 radical left hemivulectomy with lymph node dissection. I'm here if you have questions.

I had a left radical hemivulectomy with 7 lymph nodes removed in 2013. Doing fine now. But I have lymphedema have they told you about that?

I had a bilateral hemivulectomy with lymph node dissection
Two nodes were + so they took 7 to be safe. Now I have lymphedema. I was stage 3 when they operated. Tons of radiation and 6 chemo tx. Just wondering if you were using HRT hormone replacement therapy?