Vulva cancer, chemo pre sugery

I have just been diagnosed with Vulva cancer. I am 43 years old. Unfortunately it has taken 6 months since the referral to diagnosed this via a biopsy. During the 6 months the leison had become very large, despite my concerns nothing has been taken seriously.  The cancer is now very close to my bottom muscle and the surgeon is suggesting chemo before surgery to try and shrink the tumour otherwise I will need a colostomy bag! The tumour was nowhere near my bottom when the referal was made 6 months prior. Investigations are now undergoing as to the misfailings of the diagnosis. Has anyone had chemo before sugery and how effective was it at shrinking the tumour. My surgeon has suggested I have chemo for a few weeks. Has anyone had a colostomy bag as a result. Many thanks

  • Hi GD78

    I’m so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, and the length of time it has taken to get to this point. It must be particularly difficult to accept when this has happened. I’ve not had vulva cancer, but recurrent cervical cancer, so similar area! My point in replying to you is that when my cancer recurred, I did have massive surgery which involved, amongst other things, having my vagina, bladder and rectum removed, leaving me with a colostomy and urostomy, meaning I’ve now got 2 bags for life.

    Vulva cancer is quite rare, so I’m not sure if I have seen anyone else on the forum in your situation and I didn’t have chemo in advance of my surgery as time was of the essence. So while my situation is different, I do know what it is like to have stomas and have surgery in this area. My cancer was completely removed in the surgery, which was almost 2 years ago and I have a very good, completely normal, life. I have never regretted it for a second. 

    While it’s a very scary prospect, I personally was keen for the surgery in an effort to be free of cancer, as chemo for me would have been palliative only. Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with, even though our cancers are different. x