First check up appointment

Hi Jane

At my check ups they start with a chat about how I am and whether I am having any issues/pain etc.  Then there’s an internal examination, just with a speculum.  The consultant also feels inside with his finger while pressing down on my pelvis in various places!  Next he feels all over my abdomen as well as checking for enlarged lymph nodes anywhere.  Every 6 months they do a Trans Vaginal Scan (TVS) and once a year I have a CT scan.  I think all hospitals have their own protocols though, so yours may not follow this pattern.  Remember though, that this is a good opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, or to voice anything that’s making you anxious.  It’s worth writing things down before you go because, if you’re anything like me, you’ll forget everything you wanted to say when you’re there!!  From my experience these sessions are always reassuring .

I hope it goes really well for you.

Pippa xx

Thanks Pippa- that's reassuring. I am expecting an internal and speculum examination. I wonder if it will just be like the end of treatment check up to be honest. It was just a chat really, then speculum exam and a quick internal. Was in there for less than 15 mins. Not having any problems which is a good sign. Still got some peripheral neuropathy from the chemo- but they know that and some upset tummies from the radiotherapy so I suppose they will ask about them as well. From March to October I spent so much time at the hospital having different tests, surgery and treatments it feels strange to go back. I know it is for my own good but it is always a worry

So glad you’re not having any problems - although the neuropathy and upset tummy aren’t nice.  I think you’re right, they’ll want to check on all those things and to advise on anything that might help.  You’re not alone in being anxious before check-ups.  I wonder if, to a degree, we all suffer some kind of post-traumatic stress after what we’ve been through, and that means that anything connected to hospitals and checks gives us a heightened sense of anxiety.  I wonder if it’ll ever get any easier…

Thinking if you lots.

Pippa

I know what you mean about post traumatic stress- I do wonder if it is something that we all go through after having a potentially life threating illness. I do sometimes have dreams that I would liken to flashbacks to do with the radiotherapy treatments. I think when going through the diagnosis and treatments you are so focussed on them that it is when they stop you have time to process and think about things.