Mother just diagnosed with rare vaginal cancer

my mother has kept a secret from us for the last six months that she’s had worrying symptoms which today has been diagnosed as vaginal cancer. She’s been seeing her GP all along but only when she insisted that she needed a scan of some sort, did she get one. The scan lead to a biopsy and today they confirmed it’s a rare form of cancer. She has an appointment tomorrow with the oncologist when they will do more tests to establish if it’s primary or secondary.

 

ive read that vaginal cancer has no symptoms until it’s quite advanced. I’m angry that for six months, her GP hasn’t sent her for investigations. The same GP diagnosed Lower back muscle pain when in fact she had a broken hip for nearly a year. I’m so angry and worried. 

  • Hello ian-j-c and welcome to this forum.  I can understand that you must be so worried and angry.  And sad that your mum did not share her worries with you and generally have a whole bundle of emotions going through your head.  When I was younger I used to wonder if doctors made mistakes - of course they do (I imagine everyone makes mistakes in their work from time to time) but in my young days it used to worry me that this might happen and the possibly serious consequences.  And of course sometimes we who have no medical training don't always feel confident enough to challenge them.  Please let us know how your mum's appointment goes: firstly because we are interested and secondly because all knowledge is good and may help us when talking to another person who posts on this forum.

    You might find it helpful to ring MacMillan Cancer Support who I understand are very good at talking through what is happening, both for the patient and the carers.  Freefone 0808 808 0000.  There are also nurses on this website who can discuss any aspect of your mum's care if you would like to do so Freefone 0808 808 4040.  And please come back and chat with us here at any time you feel it would help you to do so. Annie