First Consultation after Op and Brachytherapy

Good Morning all

I was beginning to think my name had fallen through the cracks! I was supposed to have a consult with my Oncologist 6 weeks after brachytherapy finished, that should have happened on 19th December. I didn't worry overmuch thought it's runup to Christmas, then Christmas and New Year came and went and still nothing. Also thought it's now 3 months since the op itself. 

I'd had no problems except slight pink spotting on tissue, normally after using dilators which I'd mentioned to my CNS in early December and we'd agreed to monitor it. I gave her a call on Monday and mentioned I was still occasionally spotting but then mentioned hadn't had any follow up consults from either Oncology or Gynae. I would be due to have a Oncology 3 month post Brachy early February but except for call from Surgeon 2 weeks post op with histology results heard nothing from Gynaecology. Boy was she on it quick - within 10 minutes she came back and had arranged a gynae consult for yesterday - was I impressed - she did admit there'd been a cancellation!

Anyway, yesterday met my Gynae Consultant for the first time - remember my op was done across county in Nottingham, I live in Lincolnshire. He was lovely (cracking looking too!) A Gynae Staff Nurse and Trainee midwife were also there. He asked if I'd had any urinary/bowel problems which apart from 1 day I haven't. He apologised for the non-contact - seems because a lot was cross-county communications got a bit unravelled. I said I wasn't sure in whose care I was Gynae or Oncology for the cancer. He laughed and said they weren't sure either! In the scheme of things if you have a ladies problem Gynaecology start the ball rolling. The when cancer treatment is needed Oncology take over and Gynae back off until treatment finishes - makes sense when you think about it.

Then he said "are you ready?" Time for the internal! After stripping off bottoms , assumed the position, draped the sheet and they all came in. He explained everything step by step and said he'd be using the small speculum. Usually following Brachytherapy the vagina shrinks a bit but he needed to change for a larger one as he couldn't see the top where the cervix used to be I assume. He said he could see the post Brachy scarring but everything looked good, no lesions or nodules or anything else - he did warn I'd have a little spotting after the exam (which I did - minimal) He did say I was very lucky it was caught early, it was a high grade serous which is aggressive. He praised my bestie for nagging me to check out the spotting. I was going to ignore it

We then chatted a bit more he said I'd see him every 3 months for 2 years, then 6 monthly for the next 3. I've got no problems with that believe me!! I did ask about follow up scans etc. His answer is that isn't normally done unless you notice any problems, if you do, get in touch and they'd follow up immediately. My CNS is great so I'm confident in that respect. He was also going to write to my Oncologist and take over my care. (He's an Oncologist too - gosh this man has no comparison). So that's it until April. I had a drink to celebrate when I got home.

So more reassurance for you ladies who are just starting, part way or ending their journey - there is light at the end of the tunnel. But please tell all your female friends if they ever get an unusual bleed, especially if, like me, they're post menopausal, don't hesitate to contact your GP. 

Big hugs to you all, Barb xx