He was obviously incentivized, like, Babe, go and get it seen.
We wanted to carry on with marital relations, so I went.
I love that we can laugh about that now.
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We need to get it checked out.
She was very urgent with me.
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The great news was that there was no cancer there.
After that operation, I had a really hard recovery.
With the lymph nodes removed, I was leaking lymph fluid for days.
I had a coin-size gaping hole in the top of my thigh.
Ive still got quite limited nerve sensation down my right thigh because of that infection.
But the cancer was no longer there, and that was the main thing.
Its noncontagious, and it can cause thickening of the skin, scarring and tightness.]
I didn’t really talk about it or admit it to anyone.
Doctors now know there is a soft link between lichen sclerosus and vulval cancer.
Due to my previous cancer, Im heavily monitored by the NHS [National Health Service].
The skin kept getting thicker and thicker and then eventually, I was diagnosed again.
The more recent episode was growing outward like a weed, so you could get it more easily.
It was more like skin growing on skin.
Of course, over the years Ive tried everything to manage the lichen sclerosus.
Ive tried the steroid creams I was prescribed, but Ive also tried to find natural solutions.
Im a Pilates teacherI eat really well, I move really well, and Im mindful.
I was literally winded.
I asked, Why do I need an MRI scan?
They didn’t know.
The communication was mismanaged.
Luckily the consultant had given me her contact details, and I emailed her straight away.
Prior to that, they had picked up VIN [a.k.a.
This is usually a gradual process that takes well over 10 years.]
At that point, I didn’t know if it had spread or not.
I was told I had the cancer back, but I hadnt had any scans or results.
We were having my whole family over.
Youre like,oh my god, I cant breathe.
My husband came too.
He did a really good job.
I’ve definitely got feeling.
you’ve got the option to still have sex.
you’re able to still feelnot the same, but thats okay.
But it helped me to think:I will get through it, and it will be good again.
You have to listen to your body.
Having done this journey, I think what Id want other women to know is to follow your instincts.
If somethings not quite right, listen to that inner voice.
Youve got nothing to lose to go and get it checked.
The worst case scenario is its a waste of half an hour.
Treat yourself to a vulval investigation, then get yourself a coffee and a cake after.
Its an important part of self-care.
I also think its really important that we know our bodies.
I think the best advice is to grab a mirror.
Im also very open and honest with my children.
Luckily they saw that I recovered and Im okay.
When I told them I was doing this interview today, they said: Thats amazing.
They know its important to share awareness.
As for my relationship with my body, Ive always been very comfortable and familiar with it.
However, Im definitely more alert to it now, especially because the cancer came back.
Ive still got to be vigilant.
Having cancer in your vulva changes your sexual feelingit changes you physically and mentally.
I do think with these things, they dont have to just happentoyou.
You have control over how you react to a situation, and Ive always looked for the positives.
As for where Im at with my vulva?
I feel strongly that Ive got to look out for her.
Shes been through the wars, but I dont love her any less.
Its like anyone, if something happens, theyre not damaged.
For that, I feel really lucky.
This story was originally published inGlamour UK.
