Hello, @cmb2022 What a relief it must be to know your boss is so supportive. That is one less thing for you to worry about, right? You wrote your job is high pressure so taking time off when needed is out there when and if you need it.

I go to Mayo Clinic in Rochester and I'm followed by a nurse practitioner who is in the same department as the GYN/ONC surgeon. They all work together as part of my team.

For the first 2 years my exams were physical exams. An external pelvic and an internal (vaginal with the use of a speculum) exam. No blood tests or CT. The nurse practitioner spends a lot of time with me asking specific questions about any symptoms including do I have any pelvic pain? Bleeding? And how I am doing overall? A recurrence was found on vaginal exam (in the vaginal cuff) last October . I had treatment for the recurrence (radiation). The schedule then changed to every 3 months and in addition to the physical exam I'll have a CT for chest, abdomen, and upper legs.

The follow up exams are scary and helpful at the same time. Since I kept up with my followup as recommended the recurrence was found very early as I didn't have any symptoms.

Is there a patient portal you can use to ask your oncologist what your exam will include? Will you see your oncologist or go to someone else?

And will you let me know how you are feeling next week when you're back at work? We're warriors, you know, and we go forward with the support of one another.