Huge Doubt

lizper
lizper Member Posts: 199
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Is it necessary to see a Gyno Dr. when you already have OVCA? I mean, pap smear, pelvic exam, ultrasound, mammography, etc??? My Mom has only seen her Oncologyst since dx October 2005. What is your opinion? Thank you. Liz

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    Hi Liz:
    If the oncologist is not following up with regular tests (pelvic exam, pap smear, etc.), then I believe it's best to see the gynocologist also. I'm very fortunate in that my oncologist takes care of all of it. He even does a rectal exam everytime I see him. Not fun, but I sure can say he is thorough. Mammograms are still once a year for me, unless a problem were to occur. I still get CT's every 3-6 months. I just had a bone density test (every 3 years). And I have progressed from monthly CA125 BT's to every 2 months. My last pap came back 'not suitable for testing - exudate present'. My doctor said that's to be expected. Because of the severe atrophy and dryness (lack of estrogen), they may not always get sufficient readings. However, I will ask him at my next appointment (December 5) if we should be taking another. Of course, I cannot take any estrogen whatsoever, so those will always be the conditions. But, I believe it's still important to take the pap test.
    Well, I hope this answers your question. How is your Mom doing? I hope well. And I hope all of you will have a very Happy and Thankful Thanksgiving with loved ones.
    Luv & Hugs,
    Monika
  • Keelie
    Keelie Member Posts: 97
    #3
    Hello Liz. Please, please make sure that your Mother gets a pap smear, and the other tests as soon as possible. I just had my first pap smear in over a year and a half. I've been very upset to hear that the pap smear showed cancerous cells. I got caught in the cracks of having three or four doctors and all of them must have thought that the other doctor was taking care of those things. I was the one that took matters into my own hands and recently made appointments for a mammogram and pap smear! My oncologist thinks that my current chemo will take care of the new situation, but agrees with the gynecologist that I went to that I need to see my oncology surgeon later this month! Needless to say, I am terrified. I wasn't expecting this news even though I am on chemotherapy again! More surgery is about the last thing I want to think about now. Liz, please make sure she gets all of the exams you mentioned. How is your little baby doing? Take good care of yourself too! With love and hugs, MM
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #4
    Hi Liz, I see my internist for my yearly exam. The pap I have during my visit with my oncologist now but if he didn't do it I would get it during my annual exam. I know some women stop going to their regular Drs but I think my general health is his focus and my ovca health is gyn/oncs. Just how it works for me.

    Hugs Bonnie

Discussion Boards