Done with Treatment; No Follow up Scan?

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KDDavis
KDDavis Member Posts: 34
in Head and Neck Cancer #1
Hi Everybody!

This board has given me much comfort over the last couple of months. I finished my last of 33 radiation treatments for tonsil cancer six weeks ago. I didn't have chemo but I did have my right tonsil and what the doctor described as a tumor removed from the right base of my tongue. The cancer was apparently caught early enough and it had not spread anywhere. The docs actually thought the surgery would get it all but they did radiation to treat the margins.
Two weeks ago at a follow up, the Rad Onc told me to come back to see him in three months and then every six months after that. I asked if a second CT/PET scan was necessary to confirm all the cancer cells were gone. He told me that based on the kind of cancer I had that he didn't feel it was necessary. I trust this fellow and have no way of arguing other than I'd just like the peace of mind knowing that it was gone.
Has anyone else been told a follow up scan after treatments were over was not necessary? I appreciate it!

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  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    #2
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    Hi Davis
    Great to hear that your Rads treatment is finish, now you can start to enjoy your new normal life again.

    When I was treated for NPC the first time my doctor told me the same thing, not to worry you but after about 6 months to year it is a good idea to have your first PET. This is just my take and what I believe.

    Take care
    Hondo
  • Kent Cass
    Kent Cass Member Posts: 1,898 Member
    #3
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    Hondo said:

    Hi Davis
    Great to hear that your Rads treatment is finish, now you can start to enjoy your new normal life again.

    When I was treated for NPC the first time my doctor told me the same thing, not to worry you but after about 6 months to year it is a good idea to have your first PET. This is just my take and what I believe.

    Take care
    Hondo

    Agree
    That a PS/CT should be in the works down the road. Problem will be getting the Dr to authoize it, so the insurance will cover it. Things cost over $4K in my neighborhood. Even if you have to make-up a symptom, like a sore throat, to get one- at least by a year out.

    kcass
  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    #4
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    Follow-Up
    I have heard of a few on here that were told that....

    I'm lucky that my MD's like to do the CT and PET six months apart...so far for the last two years post treatment...

    Best,
    John
  • sweetblood22
    sweetblood22 Member Posts: 3,228
    #5
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    Skiffin16 said:

    Follow-Up
    I have heard of a few on here that were told that....

    I'm lucky that my MD's like to do the CT and PET six months apart...so far for the last two years post treatment...

    Best,
    John

    No scans for me as of yet.
    I am out two years and have not had one. I do get chest X-rays tho. My RO told me that he does not feel that it's prudent for me to get more scans, that it is an issue of risk vs benefits, and in my case the risks outweigh the benefits. I will probably only have one if God forbid, I have a problem.
  • KDDavis
    KDDavis Member Posts: 34
    #6
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    Many Thanks!
    I am very appreciative of the replies to this and it makes me feel much better. I hope y'all are all having a great week!
  • mls351w
    mls351w Member Posts: 90
    #7
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    after treatment scans
    I had ssc bot. Had chemo/rad and surgery to remove 5 lymph nodes. This Nov. will be 5 years out.
    My rad/ocn and chemo/rcn are still scheduling CT scans every 12 months.
    I'm wondering if they are necessary. My surgeon does not schedule any scans after 2-3 years.
    Anyone else 5 (or more)years out?

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