Radiation ended 7 weeks ago and have a personal question?

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shellbell1963
shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
edited September 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hi Ladies

I survived radiation woohoo! That was 7 weeks ago and since then I have had problems with dry, irritated skin in the vulva area. Also noticed a slight discharge. Well I have had a hyster 3 years ago. I am was wondering I know the radiation dries the breast area out, does it affect our female parts also? Is this normal and what do I do? I am miserable and worried. Cant see a gyno until October because of insurance changes. Any advice or just talking to me would be greatly appreciated as I am anxious about this.

Thanks all!

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited September 2014

    Shellbell,

    Are you taking Tamoxifen? If so, that is more than likely the culprit.

    Edited - I see you had a hysterectomy so probably not on Tamoxifen. Perhaps an AI is causing this. But I have no personal experience with AIs. 

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  • shellbell1963
    shellbell1963 Member Posts: 39
    edited September 2014

    No I am not taking any meds, what is AI?

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited September 2014

    AIs are Aromatase Inhibitors. They are given to post menopausal women to stop the production of estrogen. 

    Here's a link to BCO's explanation. 

    http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/aro...

    Sorry I'm not helping you come up with an answer. Someone might chime in soon. 

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited September 2014

    It could be a yeast infection, or who knows what else, but I don't think it is related to radiation. If you can't go to your doctor earlier, can you go to public health or something? You don't want to wait and be miserable for a whole month!!!!!

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  • RaiderGirl
    RaiderGirl Member Posts: 419
    edited September 2014

    No one can say for certain that rads dont effect other body parts but most likely its medications. Like the other posters said both Tamox and AI will do that to women.  I personally use Organic extra virgin coconut oil everyday. Its magical. You find it in the health food stores and yes it is used for cooking as well. I thought my finding was unique until I spoke with the bc nurse and she told me that nearly every patient she knows uses it.

    There are several threads on this site about this oil. 

    You need to see an GYN but meanwhile try the cococut oil is a godsend.

    Good luck sugar.

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