So today was my 3-month appointment. It looks like I've moved into the B-team of lymphoma patients and from now on appointments will be every four months instead of three.
Met a different doctor today who I never met before, not sure if this is a change because I am on the B-team (this is a joke obvs, not a real thing). She didn't explain why or anything, which okay is fine but it would be good to know why. And we didn't have the CNS in the room either. So she didn't know my case and had to go through the notes to see what I had etc. which was great, it felt like going to the GP 
Anyway, since I am fine it's no big deal but I found it a bit annoying, medical team continuity is one of the most important things IMO when it comes to cancer treatment and after-treatment. I understand the resource constrains and what not but at least we could have a nurse? Or just say in advance you will see a different doctor, do you want to change the appointment date so you can see your one later? Doctor wasn't even part of this Trust I believe which is just making me think this is typical NHS and I cannot be annoyed at the personnel.
So...
Bloods? Ok
Physical exploration? Ok
Pain in the thigh and knee? Give it time
Phlegms since January? Give it time
Numbness on my feet when I cycle or swim for long time? Give it time
Sperm count much lower and worse quality than before treatment? Also give it time, might get better. Or it might not. Speak to the GP about this one. Are you planning for a family? // Well I want to, that's why I re-tested my sperm... // Oh, you can try and then see what happens... // Sure!
---
So, see you in four months.
Brrrr it is difficult to deal with this system sometimes. I was under the closest supervision for 5 months last year and now I am just doing a blood test and getting okayed every 3 months. I get it, I understand it, I agree with it. But this is not patient-centered. This is just a machine going through numbers. There are no humans sometimes here. Little care about how you are facing your day to day, your psychological needs, your worries, where this system can give you support and where it cannot.
I am lucky to have private insurance through work so if I need it, the second opinion is available (I guess*) and I can reach out through there. It gives me peace of mind. But it shouldn't be this way.
*the private insurance doesn't cover treatments 1 year after diagnosis, but I guess appointments or consultations related to previous disease should be covered (?)
