Most women who have had GTD can have normal pregnancies later on in life. If you have had GTD, however, you should have an ultrasound examination early on (in the first trimester) in any subsequent pregnancy. Seeing your doctor regularly for prenatal exams will not only ensure the early diagnosis of GTD, should it recur, but also give you the best chance of delivering a healthy baby following a normal pregnancy.
Follow-Up Care
Because GTD sometimes recurs, even after successful treatment, your doctor will want to see you periodically to monitor your blood level of HCG.
HCG also rises in pregnancy, so women who have had GTD are usually advised not to become pregnant until they have completed therapy. If you do become pregnant you should have an ultrasound examination early on (in the first trimester) to rule out a recurrence of GTD. Seeing your doctor regularly for prenatal exams will not only ensure the early diagnosis of GTD, should it recur, but also give you the best chance of delivering a healthy baby following a normal pregnancy.
Other Aspects of Survivorship
To help patients manage some of the other issues that may come up in survivorship, Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a wide range of programs for cancer survivors, including the following:
- Sexual Health Program
Some women find cancer therapy has affected their feelings about, and desire for, sex. This is an important issue for many women, because treatments for gynecologic cancers sometimes result in side effects that cause vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and/or reduced interest in sex. Don’t be afraid to let us know if you are experiencing these problems and would like some help; we are here for you. Counselors at Memorial Sloan-Kettering’s Sexual Health Program at the Barbara White Fishman Women’s Health Center can help you discuss and address your concerns. They can also refer you to other doctors who treat any underlying problems that may be contributing to your concerns.
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Counseling Center
Our Counseling Center offers individual and family counseling sessions to help cancer survivors and their families address the problems that they may encounter in adjusting to life after treatment.
- Living Beyond Cancer
People facing the challenges of cancer survivorship can access a variety of support services through the Living Beyond Cancer section of our Web site. This section includes information about professionally led support groups and counseling; survivorship clinics to manage late effects of cancer and treatment; recommendations about screening and healthy living; and specialized services to address sexual and reproductive health. We also offer a range of resources to help survivors, families, and friends better understand the complex emotional and social issues following treatment.
Additional services are offered through our Resources for Life After Cancer program, which provides a full range of educational support services, including individual and family counseling, periodic lectures or workshops to provide medical updates, and practical guidance on employment and insurance issues.
- Integrative Medicine Service
Integrative Medicine Service is designed to enhance quality of life through healing regimens that address the body, mind, and spirit. Beneficial complementary therapies include various types of massage, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, meditation, visualization and other mind-body therapies, music therapy, and nutritional counseling, as well as classes such as yoga, t’ai chi, and chair aerobics.
Access Information Through our Patient Portal
Memorial Sloan-Kettering offers a secure Web site — called MYMSKCC — for patients to access personalized information about their care. If you enroll to use MYMSKCC, you can view, confirm, and keep track of appointments; access over 300 lab results; make changes to contact and insurance information; communicate with your healthcare team and other staff using secure electronic messages; and pay bills and view balances. Learn more about MYMSKCC.
To enroll in MYMSKCC, please ask a session assistant in clinic or contact your physician’s office.
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