Radical Vulvectomy

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Not looking for advice, but some anticipatory guidance......

Family member living several states away is probably having this surgery since recurrence 1.5 years post 2 wide excisions.

If she has it I need to plan for her care when she goes home as my dad is totally incompetent as a caregiver. What would I anticipate for her needs? She is 78, but totally with it and will not consider assisted living for a single second.

Thank you for any ideas on what scope of will need to be provided for.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I wish I could help but that is not something I've ever seen or dealt with as an OB nurse. Best of luck to your family.

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

Maybe try the Oncology threads. Most of us here deal more with Obstetrics than GYN/Onc.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

So sorry your family member is going thru this.

Found some info from the American Cancer Society

From Ohio State University Hospital:

Care at Home

You will be given instructions on how to care for yourself at home.

Get plenty of rest and do not overdo it. A good rule to follow is if you do not feel up to it, do not do it. Here are some guidelines for you to follow when you go home.

Limit your activities for 4 to 6 weeks: No driving for 2 weeks or while taking narcotic pain medicine. However, you may ride in a car for short trips. No heavy lifting (nothing over 5 to 10 pounds). No strenuous activities or exercises. Take the stairs slowly. Go one step at a time.

Keep your incisions clean and dry.

Put nothing in the lady parts until your doctor tells you it is okay: No douching. No intercourse (sex). No tampons.

You may take a shower.

Radical Vulvectomy:

If swelling happens in your legs or feet, try the following to control the swelling:

Wear support hose.

Sit no more than 30 minutes at a time.

Keep legs propped up when sitting. Sit with your legs uncrossed.

Wear loose fitting clothes around your incisions.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Thanks all. I looked for a gyn/surg thread, but I will try oncology also. I appreciate your input.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Request Home Health Visiting Nurse prior to discharge for physical assessment of incision, caregiver instruction, medication mgmt + link to community resources to keep loved one at home.