Follow up on Pelvic Exenteration

Hello, ladies. I had my pelvic exenteration in June. 2005. I am doing OK I guess...I see my doctor every 3 months now. Has anyone who has had a pelvic exenteration recently doing OK? Has anyone had any problems or concerns since their sugery? I was lucky and only had to have part of my vagina and my bladder removed. It's going on 7 months now and I still don't know what to expect. My doctor hasn't told me what is normal and what isn't or what to expect. So now whenever I have any aches or pains, I start freaking out. I automatically think that my cancer has returned and has spread. Whenever I see my doctor, all she does is do a pelvic exam and maybe a pap smear. Not once has she suggested that I get a CT scan for follow up. So I'm wondering, how will she know if my cancer has come back or spread if she doesn't do a CT scan? I have so many questions. Monica

Personnally, I would be adamant about getting a CT scan. I don't know your situation, but a pap can't determine if there is anything going on internally. More importantly, you need to ask your doctor ALL your questions. Write them down so that you remember everything. If you don't feel comfortable talking to the doctor or you don't feel that she is giving you the time you need, then find a new doctor. It's SO important to trust your doctor. I just changed doctors and went to a completely different hospital system. You need to feel confident that your doctor is doing everything possible to keep you healthy. It's your life we are talking about! Unfortunately, it took a recurrence for me to realize all this. I think when you have initial shock of a diagnosis you will do whatever someone tells you. In hindsite, I should have made sure I was comfortable with everything in the first place. Good luck and take care. Please take the time to be your own advocate!