How do you cope with vulvar cancer diagnosis after years of chronic illness?

Facing a new cancer diagnosis while managing other chronic conditions takes tremendous courage, and this community understands the unique challenges that come with navigating multiple health battles. Many here have found that connecting with others who truly understand can provide comfort during overwhelming times, whether through sharing practical tips for managing procedures or simply offering emotional support when fear feels heaviest. What aspects of this journey feel most daunting right now, and what kinds of support from this community might be most helpful?

I was diagnosed in November 2025 with vulvar cancer. I had surgery locally but I have a J-pouch so he didn’t get the margin he wanted. He sent me to Indianapolis to Dr Michael Callahan at St Vincent’s Hospital. He ordered a pet scan but there was a glare that prevented them to see areas in my groin so he ordered (2) MRI’s, Pelvis & Liver because something lit up on my liver on the pet scan for suspected liver cancer. A liver biopsy was done but it didn’t show anything. He said it was in a difficult area, right below my heart so the radiologist may of missed that area. We will do another liver biopsy later on as he wanted to do a more radical surgery on my vulva. He’s also removing my lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. I’m asking him if he can do a liver biopsy while I’m under. So as of today, he’ll be doing more surgery in (12) days. He did mention that he felt that I wouldn’t need any treatment after surgery but will see what the pathology report says.

Hugs!!!

I had vulva cancer, had surgery 2 years ago, and am doing pretty good. I am going to turn 71 this March. I had cancer in lower lymph node in left side of my groin, we hit it hard with Chemo and radiation, and the radiation fried it! So So I have lythdia ma on my left leg, causing swelling, but at first it was really bad, but it doesn't swell up as much as it used to, so I'm happy for that, and I do a lot of Rubbing on my leg and Thigh to push up the bad fluid Towards the top of my thigh , so the other lymph nodes can help remove the bad fluid which works good, my sister rubs it up for me going in just one direction up, you can see it works great, then leave my leg Elevated up for a while I wear those stockings which help a lot too.\n But I prefer to use the rubbing. It helps a lot of the higher the thigh, because they tend to run, run down the thigh. The the stockings do, Cause I get the swelling up in my high thigh, too. If anyone has questions you're welcome to ask me and I will be honest with you about my surgery and how I'm dealing with it.\n And is not as hard as I thought it was going to be. I'm just grateful for my family and my wonderful grandkids.They're my life!