Advice on recovery from vulvar wide local excision

Hi! I was recently diagnosed with Paget's cancer of the vulva. I will be having a vulvectomy in the next few weeks, once we confirm that the cancer isn't found anywhere else. I know recovery will be uncomfortable, and it is reccommended that you go undie free for a while, but, has anyone tried wearing men's boxer shorts under loose pants when they have to be out and about? I know skirts are better, but it is cold outside, so, no good on the skirts right now!

I am 3 days post surgery and feeling all the things; pain, fear, resolve. I am thankful for each and every story posted here. There is so little information available which left me feeling very very tiny and alone. The shared information here is priceless and I will be forever grateful. 

oh_really and 5yearsapart, I am a visitor from the uterine board, and will tell you I cannot imagine what you are going through.  You two seem to be very close in your lines of treatment, both having just had surgery, and I would suggest you two definitely connect.  Sometimes it helps to chat with someone who is experiencing the same thing, and as I think oh_really stated on such little information or others with what you have going on.

You ladies are in my prayers.

I found a lump area 1 Nov 2021 and remember a young 22 yr old girl local had a lump blew it off and now has end stage Vulva cancer terminal. She saved my life. I went to OB/GYN at end of Nov 2021, she put me on 7 days antibiotics to see if infection. Went back took biopsy and came back VIN III. Went to UVA OB GYN Oncologist set-up local wide excision of area Feb 2022. She had to take more than anticipated and still in shock when I look at area because it does not loom anything like normal anatomy. I am 2 weeks post op, still walk very slowly and sitting is a task, no underwear and loose pajamas. I'm just glad was told got everything.

I am really not used to using these boards. I think you are responding to me?? My surgery for VIN2 w/wide excision of vulva lesion was yesterday 7/25/22. She ended up having two areas to remove. It is outpatient under general anesthesia. Procedure took about 45 mins. I am in Texas. I attached pictures of things I purchased to prepare but maybe I posted it to another conversation. I thought I was sending them to you.

[Content removed by CSN Support Team.]

I’m feeling ok. I am taking the pain meds which I usually don’t. It’s just such a weird area! There is a burning and raw feeling. I would definitely see if your surgeon is able to do the CUSA method, which is the laser. I think not having stitches helps. Were you able to locate some of the things I recommended buying? I find the gel pads to be wonderful.

did you hear anything about your referral? It seemed to take about a week and then to schedule me in another week. The waiting is terrible!

Hello,

I hope you are feeling ok, I completely understand how you are feeling. I am from London and I had a wide local excision in May 22 due to VIN3 on my labia, it was day surgery and I was home by the evening. A large area of my vulva and perineum had to be removed. I was in surgery a week after diagnosis. It was a very scary time but I was relieved that it was removed as it was just over the margin. Recovery was 5-6 weeks, I was off work for 4. My advice would be, take it slow, rest and keep the area clean and as dry as possible. I took painkillers and antibiotics every day for a week and after that the pain eased up. Dissolvable stitches were still there on week 5 and swelling went down around week 4. I got the all clear 6 weeks post surgery and it was such a relief. I suffered for two years with the pain and misdiagnosis and I am now free from all of that. I will be checked every three months moving forward. Good luck with your surgery, thinking of you!

Two years before getting a proper diagnosis must have been torture. I'm so happy you got the all clear and are getting better each day!