Those on Lupron (or sim) & Tamoxifen (or sim) - pap tests etc

ChemicalWorld

Just wondering how often others on this combo get gyno checkups, particularly those who have not had prior issues.

I see a gyno-oncologist once a year along with my primary medical oncologist. Was referred as part of team and for advice on the ER+ pre-menopause thing. I have been on Lupron for two years now, through this oncologist. Have been on Tamoxifen since 2011.

I saw a gynecologist in 2012 and 2013 (two different ones because one left) through my GP for similar reasons, not because I was having issues. I had a pap and a pelvic ultrasound in 2012 - both normal. Nothing the following year. Second gyno gave me Provera to kick start a period in late 2013 as I had not had one since chemo, save for one spontaneous period early 2013 . Long story short, when I saw my radiation onco early 2014 and told her this and also that I without a medical onco, she referred me to both the new medical onco (my original dr there had also moved practice too) as well as the gyno-oncologist for advice on what I've already mentioned. (sorry if confusing, there's been a few doctors!). I should note that I have a history of PCOS symptoms as well. I was still pre-menopausal when I went to see the new dr's in 2014 (producing estrogen, just no periods)

So in August 2015, through the gyno-oncologist, I had my first pap test since 2012. Dr. didn't see the need for a pelvic ultrasound and didn't do one on me in 2014 when I first saw her a few times, and started the Lupron.

During my 2015 appointment, the gyno-oncologist told me that I did not need another pap for 2-3 years unless I had issues. Fast-forward to this year's appointment, which I was expecting to be just a quick check in and maybe a breast exam. I was not expecting or prepared for a pap, and I'd had no gynecological issues this past year (and I have no history of same, save for irregular periods). Nurse comes in with the usual questionnaire before the dr comes in. She said she wouldn't get me to change for now as she wasn't sure if the dr would want to do a pap. I told her I'd had one last year. She returned a while later and said I could get in a gown so the dr could do one. I was puzzled and told her so, as this doctor had told me last year that I would not need a pap for at least another year. I asked to speak to the doctor. Instead of my oncologist, a young student came in to talk to me and told me it was just a precaution. I asked again why the change? And then asked to speak to my oncologist (I was getting extremely stressed out at this point).

After some time, the oncologist and student come back into the room and my oncologist says "yes you're right, it's 2-3 years" and went on to say that some women want them every year regardless of the guidelines so that was why they'd mentioned the prep. She said we'd do one next year. I asked her several times if this was putting me at risk by not doing one and she said no. She only spoke to me for maybe 5 minutes at best however.

I did not get the pap today, and needless to say, despite the fact that I wasn't expecting one to begin with and thought I wasn't supposed to be tested until at least next year, I am now firmly landed in FREAKING-OUT-VILLE. You guys know how this stuff messes with your head, and now all I can think is that this was some "sign" or something that I should have gotten a pap this year and I can't shake it.

Also, she didn't do a breast exam, which I did ask her about. She said I was good, as my medical oncologist had examined me in the spring (my mammo is yearly in January).

The whole appointment left me extremely uneasy and unhappy

How often are others getting these tests?