A Rare Disease
- 51-year-old Caroline Powell from Rugby, Warwickshire, was “blindsided” by a surprising diagnosis after experiencing vaginal itching for a few years: She had cancer of the vulva.
- Now in remission, the English cancer survivor is sharing her story to let women know what to look out for before the disease progresses to an advanced stage; Powell had been diagnosed at stage 3 since she was not aware of the symptoms.
- Common symptoms to look out for include pain or soreness in the vulva, an itch that doesn’t go away, changes to the skin around the vulva, along with burning during urination.
Powell had thought it was a recurrent yeast infection, and had noticed a change of skin around the vulva. In February 2019, she saw a doctor who ordered immediate testing of the area, which had changed color and become lumpy.
Read More"In a way, it didn't really sink in,” she added. Accepting that cancer is something that just happens, and its not your fault, is a big part of coming to terms with the disease.
Coming to Terms with a Cancer Diagnosis
Shortly after Powell’s diagnosis, she started “intensive” chemotherapy treatment, along with radiation. "I was going to hospital five days a week for six weeks. I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the same time, so I would even have two treatments on one day,” she explained of her grueling treatment.
Even after the advanced treatment, doctors still found cancerous cells in her lymph nodes.
"My treatment was intense, but the doctors were concerned at how aggressive my cancer was,” she said, noting that regardless, she tried to stay as positive as possible.
Luckily, Powell is now finally in remission. "My cancer cells have stopped growing and doctors think they are now benign. I still need three monthly checks for the next five years to monitor my lymph nodes but, for now, I am in a good place with my health."
Related: Preserving Sexual Function After Vulvar Cancer: What Patients Need to Know
Now the cancer survivor focuses on a creative hobby, selling candles under the business name Petit Oiseau Gifts.
"Making candles gave me a goal during lockdown. It offered me a source of comfort during such a low point,” Powell admitted.
"I still have a day job, but every candle I sell makes me so happy,” she added. “There's something about making candles while processing everything I've been through that brings me so much calm."
Learning About Vulval Cancer
Vulval cancer, known as “vulvar” cancer in the U.S., is a rare disease where malignant cancer cells form in the tissues of the vulva, according to the National Cancer Institute.
The vulva includes:
- Inner and outer lips of the vagina.
- Clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips).
- Opening of the vagina and its glands.
- Mons pubis (the rounded area in front of the pubic bones that becomes covered with hair at puberty).
- Perineum (the area between the vulva and the anus).
Common symptoms to look out for include pain or soreness in the vulva, an itch that doesn’t go away, changes to the skin and “lumps” as Powell experienced, along with burning during urination. It is best to contact your doctor immediately to rule out anything serious. Best case scenario, it is just an infection, but it’s better to stay ahead of a potential diagnosis by getting regular check-ups with your doctor.
Cancer Brought Me So Many Lessons
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