CT SCAN QUESTION

Hitcher13
Hitcher13 Member Posts: 5
in Esophageal Cancer #1
Hi Everyone - I have only posted on here once soon after my dear brother was diagnosed with Stage 3. He is now 1 year post diagnosis. He underwent chemo and radiation in Nov 2011, followed by the Ivor Lewis at the Mayo Clinic in January. In February he began a grueling 12 weeks of more chemo. So much chemo, that he actually became toxic, and they thought of stopping, but my brother was determined to continue. He has gone through hell, and I know most of you know exactly what I am talking about, but he is so determined to beat this and be around to continue raising his kids....he is only 46 and is a wonderful father, and a brother I dearly love. In june they gave him the all clear - no sign of any cancer! Our question is - his 3 month appointment is coming up and we have been told they will not be doing a CT scan, that they will do that at his 6 month appointment. We are somewhat surprised by this! We know how this cancer works, and that it can sneak back up on you, and 6 months seems like a really long time to wait. Can anyone please tell me whether this is the way its done, and did anyone else wait 6 months before another scan. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

On a more personal note, I visit this board often, and I am so greatful for all of the information that I have gained from all of you. I have cheered through the successes, and I have shed many tears for all of the losses - I thank you all for sharing your lives with us. Much love!

Comments

  • jtebo1955
    jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
    #2
    I had the same question
    When they thought I was was stage 2 the plan was a scan every 3 months. But after my surgery showed 1 lymph node was positive and I became stage 3 the doctor decides 6 months. When I questioned I was told because if it returns, early detection won't matter as far as outcome. He would help with my quality of life. Very hard to hear. I was very angry and decided he was a jerk. But after reading so much in the last year I know he is right. Of course there are clinical trials and there is always hope if I choose to continue the fight.
  • jtebo1955
    jtebo1955 Member Posts: 46
    #3
    I had the same question
    When they thought I was was stage 2 the plan was a scan every 3 months. But after my surgery showed 1 lymph node was positive and I became stage 3 the doctor decides 6 months. When I questioned I was told because if it returns, early detection won't matter as far as outcome. He would help with my quality of life. Very hard to hear. I was very angry and decided he was a jerk. But after reading so much in the last year I know he is right. Of course there are clinical trials and there is always hope if I choose to continue the fight.
  • Hitcher13
    Hitcher13 Member Posts: 5
    #4
    jtebo1955 said:

    I had the same question
    When they thought I was was stage 2 the plan was a scan every 3 months. But after my surgery showed 1 lymph node was positive and I became stage 3 the doctor decides 6 months. When I questioned I was told because if it returns, early detection won't matter as far as outcome. He would help with my quality of life. Very hard to hear. I was very angry and decided he was a jerk. But after reading so much in the last year I know he is right. Of course there are clinical trials and there is always hope if I choose to continue the fight.

    I guess I am somewhat
    I guess I am somewhat shocked by the response you received from your doctor. I would think early detection would mean a better chance at fighting it - I know how aggressive this cancer is, I understand that - but there are stage 3's out there who are years post diagnosis. Maybe those are the ones that did not go through reoccurence. Thank you so much for your honest answer jtebo...I appreciate it. Be well.....

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