Discharged from being followed for cancer

Posted by laurie22 @laurie22, Aug 19 12:27pm

Has anyone else been discharged from being followed for anal cancer? I was diagnosed 7 years ago and ended treatment a few months later - chemo and radiation. Most frequently, after my move away from the original team, I had been followed annually by by a new doctor, a colo-rectal oncological surgeon, but was told I never need to see him again last month. This is not a comfortable feeling, because there are several other HPV related cancers and now nobody is checking for them. I also thought my original oncologist said I would be followed annually for the rest of my life, but I could be mistaken. I'm doing pretty well, and see doctors for other health issues, but they are not looking for cancers. I have been turned down for any other oncological consultations by Mayo, so maybe I am just a bit scared for no reason.

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@colleenyoung

Hi @laurie22, at the 5 year mark, it is quite common for surveillance and annunal check-ups to be turned over to a primary care physician. With the higher risk of HPV-related cancers, I can understand your concern of no longer being in the care of a cancer specialist. It sounds like you are strong in advocating for continued annual monitoring. Does you PCP agree and support your diligence?

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Thanks for the response. I will find out about ongoing support when I see my new one in a couple of months.

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