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Diagnosed Today - Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcincoma

shazza40
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Hi all, I today receievd an unexpected (Well I was hoping it wasn't) diagnosis of Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcincoma Stage 1B. I am numb at the moment (wine is helping :0)) and am trying to prepare myself for the road ahead. I am 40 years old, married with 3 kids aged 21, 16 and 7 and although I am trying to be positive I can't help thinking that the road ahead is going to be rocky. I am seeing an Onc Gyn tomorrow and I understand further tests and surgery will follow. I presented with what was suspected as HPV warty lesions and removed surgically 5 weeks ago. Histology of biposy received today shows good margin around area removed hower my Gyns advice is remove a wider area. He cannot confirm that it has not spread beyond. Advice is to have further surgery to remove a wider area and to check lymp nodes. I am quite surprised at how little information or support is available for this type of cancer so I would love to hear from anyone who has been in my boat. I of course would love to offer support to anyone going through any type of cancer, I am a little tearful but I am determined to do what I have to to beat this, educate people, especially my daughters(and son!) and i truly believe that knowledge is power and with the right positive support we can all learn, support each other, educate others and achieve something regardless of our long term prognosis.

My mind at the minute is very much with how to tell my elderly Mom, family and friends and decided to wait until after my appointment tomorrow before making this decision. This is a toughy!! Any advice?

Thanks for reading

Parents
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    Hi shazza...

    I'm fairly new here myself. Sorry to hear about you diagnosis. I'm not familiar with your own situation but I'm sure someone on here will be able to offer you some advice and specific information.

    It's a worrying time that's for sure.

    Telling family is tough but I reassured my daughter by being positive and explaining that treatment for cancer is so much better than it was years ago.

    Everyone goes into shock and panics. It's normal. I've told my daughter that she can ask me anything. Doesn't matter if she thinks its a silly question or if she thinks it will upset me. So she knows everything she wants to know.  She's 15 and its an awkward age nearly an adult but still my baby!

    I still cry when I need to I'm not super woman. And my daughter is very open about her feelings. Sometimes i get so wrapped up in my own stuff I forget that she is worrying too.

    Oh telling your mum is never going to be easy. If she knows you are getting your head around it and getting support from everyone then

    I think that might help. Good luck.

    Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Sharon xxx

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    Hi shazza...

    I'm fairly new here myself. Sorry to hear about you diagnosis. I'm not familiar with your own situation but I'm sure someone on here will be able to offer you some advice and specific information.

    It's a worrying time that's for sure.

    Telling family is tough but I reassured my daughter by being positive and explaining that treatment for cancer is so much better than it was years ago.

    Everyone goes into shock and panics. It's normal. I've told my daughter that she can ask me anything. Doesn't matter if she thinks its a silly question or if she thinks it will upset me. So she knows everything she wants to know.  She's 15 and its an awkward age nearly an adult but still my baby!

    I still cry when I need to I'm not super woman. And my daughter is very open about her feelings. Sometimes i get so wrapped up in my own stuff I forget that she is worrying too.

    Oh telling your mum is never going to be easy. If she knows you are getting your head around it and getting support from everyone then

    I think that might help. Good luck.

    Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Sharon xxx

Children
  • Offline in reply to Sharon63

    Hi Sharon

    Thanks so much for your reply and advice. Sleepless night as to be expected I guess and very nervous as to what the next few hours hold. I will hold off telling family and friends until I know more about my situation and treatment plan. It's reassuring that people like yourself are here and willing to chat and offer advice and share their own experiences. Thank You

    How long have you been dealing with your situation?

    Thanks for your kind thoughts and will provide update later today I hope xx

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