questions about yearly exams after

As I stated in my previous post: my mother is a breast cancer survivor, other cancers are present in my family. If I had a TAH with BSO and either I decide or not decide to take ERT, will be soon discussed with doctor.. Today's question is: How often should I see my doctor for breast checks and pelvic exams/pap smears? What I've seen on the internet scares me. Everywhere I've looked says 3 - 5 years. Can my doctor still see me every year or twice a year? Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice!

I had a TVH and my surgeon told me I still needed yearly paps because I have my ovaries and these are the years where things can go wrong with them.

I was shocked! I thought I was off the hook for yearly exams like that!

My Surgeon also said that I need breast exams and that my regular Doctor can look at my skin, etc.... during the yearly physical.

Are you concerned that your insurance won't cover the exam? I don't know why you wouldn't be able to be seen yearly otherwise especially since you have a family history of cancer.

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Originally Posted by Leese9731 I had a TVH and my surgeon told me I still needed yearly paps because I have my ovaries and these are the years where things can go wrong with them. I was shocked! I thought I was off the hook for yearly exams like that! My Surgeon also said that I need breast exams and that my regular Doctor can look at my skin, etc.... during the yearly physical. Are you concerned that your insurance won't cover the exam? I don't know why you wouldn't be able to be seen yearly otherwise especially since you have a family history of cancer.

Not concerned with insurance part, so far been covering every year before my hysterectomy. However my doctor removed everything so nothing is there. I have heard you can still get a form of cancer even if your ovaries, uterus, cervix have been removed. I'll have to make a note to ask about this on next appointment. I'm just worried about developing that and breast cancer if I'm not seen often.

Tell your Doctor of your concerns. I see no reason why you can't still be seen. It's your health.... and you always need to be proactive about your own health care. Definitely! Best of luck... let me know what the Doctor says.

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Originally Posted by Leese9731 I had a TVH and my surgeon told me I still needed yearly paps because I have my ovaries and these are the years where things can go wrong with them.

To my knowledge, a pap smear won't reveal anything in terms of ovarian cancer. The pelvic can sometimes detect a growth though and that's very important. If you've kept your cervix, you'd still need pap smears though. The pap smear is specific to detecting cervical cancer.

I'm wondering what my future exams will be also. I don't have ovaries or a cervix now, so not sure what a gyn exam would look like. I'm sure I'll find out at my 6 week post-op appt.

I actually just asked my Dr. about this and he said that I still need my yearly exams even though everything but my right ovary are gone.

how many post-op appointments are there? I'll be in the 6th week next week, so I'll see the doc then.

after my 6 week, they said just come in after the holidays for my yearly exam (that was when I was due for one)

I had 6 week, 10 week and will have another visit at 16 weeks.

Sharpie, all those visits seem odd. I had a 3 week and 6 week and that was it.
Also, the issue of the pap is interesting. I did extensive research on that issue, talked to my dr. about it too. He stated that since he removed my cervix, I will no longer need a Pap. BUT, that was because I had never had an abnormal pap. He stated that sometimes if there is history of abnormal paps, some drs opt to continue a cervix-less pap! sounds weird to me!
I still have ovaries but he said I didn't need to come in unless I had a problem, there is no history of cancer in my family. Not sure how they would go about checking the ovaries. I kept them.