Once your treatment is done, your oncologist may tell you that your leiomyosarcoma is in “remission.” This means that signs of your cancer have faded or disappeared. But that doesn’t mean you’re through with doctor’s appointments. Follow-up care is very important.
You’ll need regular checkups and tests to make sure that the leiomyosarcoma doesn’t return. Your health care team can also ease any remaining side effects of your treatment.
Follow-Up Appointment Schedule
Your cancer doctor (they are called "oncologists") will tell you how often you’ll need follow-up visits. During these visits, your doctor will look for signs of cancer.
It’s common for leiomyosarcoma to come back, or “recur.” One study suggests that it returns nearly 40% of the time. The chances are highest in the first 5 years after treatment, so you’ll need the most follow-up then.
Everyone has their own timeline based on their needs, but appointments are often scheduled:
- Every 3 to 6 months for the first 2 to 3 years after treatment ends
- Every 6 months for the next 2 years
- After 5 years, once a year for the rest of your life
Exams and Tests
During your follow-up visits, your doctor will ask you how you’re feeling and do a physical exam. This may include:
- Looking for lumps
- Checking for swelling and lymphedema, a buildup of fluid often in your arms or legs
- Listening to your lungs
If you had leiomyosarcoma in your uterus, you may also need a pelvic exam.
Your doctor may also order tests to check for cancer. They can depend on where your leiomyosarcoma was in your body and how serious the disease was. The tests include:
- CT (computed tomography) scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or ultrasound. These imaging tests look inside your body. They’re done on the part of the body where your leiomyosarcoma started.
- Chest X-ray. This looks for signs of cancer in your lungs.
Having leiomyosarcoma can also raise your risk for getting another cancer down the road. These include bone and stomach cancers and another type of soft tissue sarcoma. While you won’t get routine screenings for these cancers, your doctor may order more tests if you have certain symptoms.
Watch for These Signs and Symptoms
If you notice any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor right away:
- A new lump or swollen area
- Tenderness, pain, or pressure
- Unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Change in your bladder or bowel habits
Also let your health care team know if you have any of these symptoms that can happen with cancer (as well as with many other conditions):
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- A general feeling of sickness
Treating the Side Effects
You may have side effects of your leiomyosarcoma treatments. They may happen months or years after you’re finished. As part of your follow-up care, your health care team will treat these side effects. They may include:
Problems with moving part of your body. If you had surgery in your arm or leg, you may need to see a physical or occupational therapist. They can help you build strength and teach you how to do daily activities.
Menopause. If you weren’t in menopause before, surgery to remove the ovaries or chemotherapy may trigger menopause. Your doctor may help you with the symptoms.
Bone loss. Menopause and chemotherapy can weaken the bones and set the stage for osteoporosis. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as weight-bearing exercise, and prescribe drugs to slow the bone loss.
Emotional issues: The end of your treatment may stir up many feelings about what you’ve been through and what the future may hold. Your doctor can refer you to resources, such as therapists and support groups, to help you feel better.
Making a Survivorship Care Plan
If you didn’t get a survivorship care plan during your treatment, ask your doctor about one. This plan includes:
- Details about your cancer and its treatment
- A schedule for your follow-up exams and tests
- A list of possible side effects of your treatment
- Ways you can stay healthy through diet and physical activity
A survivorship care plan helps you and your health care team make sure you get the care and tests you need. You should bring it to each follow-up visit.
