Realize it is a good problem to have...

I was wondering about that myself. In one year I will be at the 5 year mark, ostensibly cured. Who is qualified to continue my follow up? I was extremely un happy with the level of care my old gyne gave me trying to get dx initially. And anecdotally, as I see my various specialists for non-cancer related care; internist, cardiologist, urogynecologist, I find myself having to explain something as basic as the difference between endometrioid and serous, tell them about the chemo radiation after effects etc. I don't want a gyne whose practice is 90% obstetrics if they can't keep up with current cancer protocols. Would they recognize a vaginal recurrence or take seriously any pain I might be having because they are used to dismissing our concerns? I think this is a big issue for us longer term survivors.

I am going to ask at my next 6 month checkup what they suggest.

BluebirdOne - I’m coming up to the 5-year post treatment mark next month when I see the gynecological oncologist. Based on what I’ve read here, I’m also wondering if he will continue to do my follow-up exams. I’ll find out then.

NoTime - I hope the suggestions from Forherself and any others here help you find a doctor that you are comfortable working with.

Eldri - it’s great to hear from you and I’m jealous about your hair!

First of all, it's so nice to hear from you, Eldri, and to hear that all is well!! You have been greatly missed!

My gyn-onc was a rare bird in that I saw him from the time of my surgery in 1999 until fifteen years later when he retired. He gave me the option after two years to see him once or twice a year, and I chose twice. He had no PAs, so I always saw him. Of course, back in 1999 when I was diagnosed there were 37,400 cases of uterine cancer diagnosed annually, and in 2022, the ACS estimates that there will be 65,950 cases of uterine cancer. I believe those figures include an estimated 10% uterine sarcomas and the rest are endometrial cancer. In any event, a lot more women to treat these days.

But in recent years, it seems that physicians rely much more on PAs for first-line patient contacts. Years ago, when I called the dermatologist's office for an appointment, I saw the dermatologist. When I called the orthopedist for an appointment, I saw the orthopedist. Earlier this year, when I called to schedule with the orthopedist, I was informed I needed to go through the PA first. When I called the dermatologist about a lesion that turned out to be skin cancer, I was told I could schedule an appointment with the PA in a few days, but if I wanted an appointment with the dermatologist, it would be a wait of several months. So I scheduled with the PA. (However, I actually ended up being able to spend time with the dermatologist at that first appointment anyway).

Good luck with finding a competent, caring practitioner who knows his or her limitations and knows when to call in the big guns!!

I’ve been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing

Hi No Time,

I'm glad this is a good problem for you but I have to say I would want a gynonc following my care. I don't know if my dr would kick me to the curb if I didn't keep recurring but I would hope not. I, like Woodstock, am in the Dallas area. My gyn-onc only sees patients who have been referred so I think the idea of having your current dr calling and referring you is a good one. Congratulations on your haircut Eldri!

Jan

We moved here 30 years from NYC so it was a big adjustment. You picked a crazy time to move here this summer. Is the facility you are trying to get into a part of MyChart? I know when I had my 2nd opinion with MDA they were able to get all my records via MyChart. My doctor is at UTSW. Feel free to message me if I can help with anything Dallas-related. Take care.

Follow up on my earlier comment: I just had my checkup with the gynecological oncologist. I'm now on an annual exam schedule, but I'll still see the same doctor.