Recovery time varies based on the type of surgery and individual factors. Fatigue and incision pain are common, and strenuous activities should be avoided during the initial healing period. Your care team will discuss pain management and guide you on when it’s safe to return to daily activities, including work.
Post-Surgery Care:
- Light vaginal bleeding or spotting (sometimes brown in color) may last up to six weeks. Use sanitary pads only—avoid tampons to reduce infection risk.
- External wounds will be covered with a dressing. Keep it dry and allow nurses to clean it as needed.
- If you have wound drains, they’ll remain in place until fluid drainage stops. Your nurse will inform you how long this will take.
- If you have a colostomy or urostomy, a stoma nurse will teach you how to manage it.
- After abdominal surgery, rest at home for at least a month before resuming normal activities.
Your doctor will advise when it’s safe to have intercourse, typically around six weeks after surgery. If you’ve had vaginal reconstruction, healing may take longer, and your doctor will provide guidance.
Emotional Support and Survivorship Care
Vaginal cancer surgery can have a significant emotional impact. It’s normal to experience feelings of sadness. Support from doctors, nurses, family, and friends can help, and counseling is available if you prefer to talk to someone outside your circle.
Our Support Services for Cancer Survivors offer counseling, survivorship programs, and educational resources. We also provide exercise consultations, classes, and assistance with emotional, sleep, and sexual health concerns, as well as other physical effects of treatment. Our goal is to support you through recovery and help improve your quality of life.
