@apple321 Thank you for the update. Your care at Duke University Hospital Cancer Center is with one of the NCI-Designated Cancer Centers which means you have many experts in oncology who can collaborate with one another in your care. Here is a question you can ask your oncologist. Cancer Centers have Tumor Boards that meet on a regular basis (usually weekly but could be more often) and is made up physicians and providers in oncology, pathology, and other specialities. They meet to discuss "cases" that need additional discussion and collaboration. (My partner is a retired pathologist and regularly attended the Tumor Board at our local hospital which is how I know about these meetings and what they do). Would you like to ask your oncologist if your case was presented at Tumor Board and if so what the recommendations were? While you, as the patient, are not present or part of the discussion, you can greatly benefit from all the great minds at Duke weighing in on your diagnosis and treatment.

I mentioned physical exam with the use of a speculum because I've learned here on Connect that some women who return for cancer surveillance appointments on follow-up are not examined with a speculum. The use of a speculum was always a part of my routine gynecological exams over many years so I'm used to that. My nurse practitioner has been doing just that with my cancer surveillance follow-ups to examine all tissue inside and outside. I'm amazed that any physician would rely solely on CT scans or a quick physical exam without a good and long look with their eyes.

I'm returning to my original thoughts on Tumor Board. Do you have access to a patient portal where you can ask your oncologist that question? When is your next appointment so you can discuss this?