Horrendous pain

I had vaginal/vulva cancer and had treatment about 18 months ago 

about 8 weeks ago I started with what I thought was thrush but then my vulva ulcerated 

I had biopsies 3 weeks ago and they came back as post radiotherapy skin changes 

saw my MacMillan nurse last Monday and was put on morphine tablets and liquid and was given different creams to try

things are getting worse and the pain is unbearable and seems to be radiating towards my bottom, I feel like there is something nasty behind the ulcers 

do I contact my MacMillan nurse again or is this normal 

I don’t want to be a nuisance but I really don’t know how much longer I can cope 

  • Hi Debz64!

    That sounds so painful. If I were you I wouldn’t hesitate to contact your Macmillan nurse. It’s never good to suffer in silence. In my experience they would not consider you to be a nuisance- you are in pain and there are so many things out there to help with that. I hope someone who has gone through something similar will come onto the forum . My cancer was different but I always found people on here who had been through the same thing invaluable in their tips of what helped them. First port of call on Monday though , get in touch with your treatment team. They are there to help.

    Sending you healing thoughts

    Happyflower

  • Hello and thanks for your enquiry,

    I am sorry to learn that you are experiencing pain and can appreciate that this is a difficult time for you.

    Do make contact with your Macmillan Nurse, and tell them how things are for you right now. They may speak with their consultant for specialist advice. Sometimes it is possible to prescribe a local anaesthetic gel, which can be applied and help numb the area involved. Ask them about using a cold pack. You can buy these, or use a bag of frozen peas, and pop them in the freezer. Wrap them in a towel and apply them/sit on them for 10 minutes at a time to help cool and numb the area. Hopefully, your Macmillan Nurse can advise you on a different painkiller regime as well.

    We have information on our website about treating pain

    I hope that you are able to get more help with your pain soon.

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind Regards,

    Vanda
    Cancer Information Nurse