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[Trufflecat]

This is on behalf of a friend who is really going through the mill.
She's having pelvic radiotherapy for cancer of the vagina. This has caused her skin on her vulva to break down badly. She also has hormone sensitive breast cancer so cannot use anything containing hormones atall, despite being in a sudden menopause.
The skin on her vulva breaks at the slightest touch. So far Cavilon, Orobase and Daktacort have not helped. Has anyone here got any possible suggestions as to what might help? She's using a sitz bath after every wee but even water hurts.
Thanks

[pepperminty]

Hi,

if she is on Face Book , she could join Jane Lewis Vaginal atrophy closed Group for advice and support.  She must be in agony,  .  All I can suggest is can she ask for a referral to a vulval specialist  dermatologist ?  Hopefully, she will find relief  if she gets the right advice and support.  I also suggest that she gets some counselling, as she must be going through it and will need all the support she can get. I wish her well. x

Peppermintyxx

[CLKD]

So sorry for your friend's news.   There should be a dedicated Nurse assigned, to give advice 24/7.  Is she having daily radiation as an out-patient?  If she is undergoing treatment, the radiographer will see how bad the skin is, I was given a steroid-based cream to apply when I had breast radiation.  Of course the vaginal tissues are so thin that they will be affected more quickly. 

Does she have a follow-up appt. with the Consultant, or mayB ring the Radiation Dept and ask for a meeting with all medics concerned. 

Let us know how she gets on.  No patient should be left without access to discussion with the Team looking after them.

[racjen]

YEs, I'd have thought short term use of a steroid cream would help - it's what's prescribed for Lichen Sclerosis, which has a similar effect in thinning and breaking the vulval skin making it very fragile.

[Trufflecat]

Thank you all. I will pass on all of your suggestions

[CLKD]

The important issue is that she shows the radiographer B4 her next session.  It mayB that she can have a rest from treatment for a few days and apply soothing appropriate creams.

Let us know!