Hi All

Well today was quite difficult to say the least...I had my appointment with the Gyn and outcome being they suspect that there is still some carcincoma remaining. Plan of action is to remove a wider area, perform a skin graft to maintain functionality and try to keep things looking pretty down there ...4 weeks later they will remove all of the lymph nodes in the groin area. On pulpitation of the nodes it appears nothing out of the ordinary could be felt...I guess this does not mean that it has not spread but I am hoping that it is a good sign?? The removal of the nodes is being treated as precautionary, rather safe than sorry I guess....The nodes will be biopsied on removal and further treatment will no doubt be based on this outcome. It is likely that I will also receive radiation treatment after the surgery and the area has healed sufficiently for this to be done. The logic with this is that radiation damages the skin and therefore if radiation alone was done first and it is not succsessful surgery thereafter would be more complicated and problematic. One concern they do have is how close to my rectum this area is and I can only hope and pray that it has not spread there also..

Could anyone share with me their experiences of lymph node removal in the groin area as well as radiation treatments and what to expect?

The other thing I would be interested in looking into is boosting my immune system and complimenting my treatments with natural remedies and cancer fighting foods / herbs etc..anyone else been down this road?

I am trying to stay positive but i feel emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted already!! It was hard to watch my husband break down and sob today. We have decided not to mention the C word to the kids, the surgeon felt this conversation is a bit premature as he is hopeful that we can deal with this.

Thank you for listening xxx

Hello shazza40,

Thanks for updating us on how today went. I am sorry to hear it was difficult; you do seem to have a very supportive and sensitive husband and I hope that you will also find some comfort in talking to others here who can truly understand you.

I thought I should also stress how important it is to inform the consultant who is looking after you about any supplements you are taking even if they are herbs or natural remedies as these can sometimes interfere with your treatment. We have some information about alternative and  complimentary medicines on our website at this link.

Very best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hello shazza40,

Thanks for updating us on how today went. I am sorry to hear it was difficult; you do seem to have a very supportive and sensitive husband and I hope that you will also find some comfort in talking to others here who can truly understand you.

I thought I should also stress how important it is to inform the consultant who is looking after you about any supplements you are taking even if they are herbs or natural remedies as these can sometimes interfere with your treatment. We have some information about alternative and  complimentary medicines on our website at this link.

Very best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lucie

Thanks so much for your kind words, my husband is an amazing person and i am so fortunate to have him in my life. It's hard to see someone you love hurting and I will be there for him too, he is as much a part of the process as I am and we so often forget how our partners are feeling and coping?

In respect to alternative treatments, I totally agree that it has to be done in conjunction with your medical team, I only take a daily Vit C (1000mg) and multi vitamin (which my pre op nurse is aware of) and my thoughts on this was more to cancer fighting food groups to include in my diet. I have read that certain foods are reccomended whilst having treatments (spinach, broccolli etc) and some are not (white breads, sugars etc). I will certainly look at the link you have included, I guess I just want to get my boxing gloves on and try to help myself too.

Thanks again Lucie, it is really appreciated to have people take the time to read and respond to posts, even if just to say a hello. It'snice to know there is a support system in the form of this forum.

Regards

Shazza

Big hug from me Shazza will be thinking of you and watching your progress.Annabel.

Thank You Annabel, and to you