Follow-Up Care
Returning to a normal life is essential. But it’s also important to have regular check-ups after your treatment. Appointments are usually scheduled every three months for the first year. Then for the next two years appointments will be every six months. If everything is still normal after two years, you should have a checkup every year. It’s possible you may prefer or need to see your doctor more often.
The doctor who takes care of you and knows your medical history is the best person to talk with about the disease and its prognosis. Ask your doctor about your prognosis. But also keep in mind that not even doctors know exactly what will happen. Doctors often talk about surviving cancer, or they may mention the term remission. They use these terms because, although many GTD patients are cured, the disease can come back. It is, though, rare for that to happen.
During post-treatment checkups, your doctor will do different examinations and tests to make sure the cancer has not returned. Regular checkups after being treated for GTD usually include a complete physical exam and blood tests.
Tell your doctor about anything you notice that’s unusual in the treated or other areas. Also tell your doctor if you have any other problems, such as:
- pain
- loss of appetite
- change in weight
- changes in bladder or bowel function
- vaginal bleeding
These may be signs of other problems. Or they may be signs that the cancer has come back. It's important to share any worries you have with a doctor or nurse.