One of the problems I had in the first couple of years after treatment was that some of the strange pains and sensations I felt were apparently the result of nerves regenerating after long periods of numbness. It was hard to sort out the things that should really concern me vs. the ones that were just the interim stages of healing.

Also, I occasionally still find something new on my tongue or in my gums that looks like it shouldn't be there. My oncologist and oral surgeon are always good about seeing me on very short notice if that happens. Just a couple of months ago there was a new spot on my gum that was causing some problems and wouldn't go away. After ruling out several possibilities, my oral surgeon biopsied it and (thankfully) it turned out to be benign.

For routine followup purposes, my oncologist has been my primary care doctor ever since I finished treatment. He coordinates any followups that might be necessary with any other specialists (even those that are unrelated to my cancer history), and I know he has a huge file at this point with years of history on me all in one place. I see him at least twice a year and typically see my oral surgeon once or twice a year, and my periodontist twice a year. I also have annual followups with my radiation oncologist. I continue to have annual chest x-rays, and my oncologist has been tracking my TSH levels fairly regularly over the years.

It's been very important to me to have good continuity with a handful of doctors who know my situation well and seem to be very attentive to any warning signs.

Cathy