scans?

don09
don09 Member Posts: 108
in Anal Cancer #1

Hi everyone, I am new to this type of cancer and there is much I am not familiar with in the way of monitoring wether treatments are effective.  All I can compare it to is the monitoring I had while going through treatments with lung cancer, but from what I have been told it is a very different beast.  I would like to know from those of you who have been through it or going through it how is it monitored. Are there scans?  Thanks in advance for all your help in answering this question.

Comments

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #2
    don09

    I had numerous follow-up scans.  I was diagnosed in 2008 and my last scan was done in February 2015.  My medical oncologist was a big fan of scans.  I have had both PET scans and CT scans as part of my follow-up.  However, with all of that said, scans are not part of the recommended guidelines put out by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, unless there are certain concerns/indications.  I urge you to become familiar with these guidelines, which you can do on their website.  The address is https://www.nccn.org/default.aspx

    This website is a great source of information for follow-up of anal cancer.  I hope it will answer your questions.

    Martha 

  • eihtak
    eihtak Member Posts: 1,473 Member
    edited November 2016 #3
    don09......

    Hi,

    I also recommend checking out the guidelines put out by NCCN. My doctor seemed to follow them pretty closely, yet I have noticed that not all do. Treatment and follow-up often varies by physician choice, location of services, and unfortunately type of insurance. Knowing what is recommended can give you some knowledge, and a source to ask questions of your doctor if in doubt of your treatment. 

    I did have some complications toward the end of treatment but was followed with a 1 yr PET Scan and then routine CT scans, and X-rays. At my 1 yr PET scan follow-up for anal cancer, I was dx with a rare unrelated breast cancer that otherwise would not have been caught until late stage as it is often missed on a mammogram early on. For this reason, I believe that having anal cancer and that follow-up scan saved my life.....sort of anyhow!

    Thinking of you as you continue to move forward......

    katheryn

  • HapB
    HapB Member Posts: 527
    #4
    Scans

    I had only one scan post treatment. I was monitored by scopes every 4 months, then every six months. my doctors did not want to expose me to excessive radiation. 

  • Bella_G
    Bella_G Member Posts: 30 Member
    #5
    follow-up

    I only had 1 PET scan after completing treatment then anal scoping every 3 months (for 2 years) and 6 months for the last 2.5 years.

    I guess I should take pride in helping train a multitude of medical residents who watched my surgeon perform the scoping exams!

     

  • cfarthofer1028
    cfarthofer1028 Member Posts: 3
    #6
    scans

    I just was told that my latest PET scan still showed glowing???? but, the doctors told me my cancer is not there.....I asked about the glowing...they said lingering effects due to such drastic radiation not from chemo....I'm scared and confused...but want to be happy!!!! anyone else have this issue. I have not undergone chemo or radiation since 2nd week of january 16

     

  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    edited November 2016 #7
    cfarthofer1028 said:

    scans

    I just was told that my latest PET scan still showed glowing???? but, the doctors told me my cancer is not there.....I asked about the glowing...they said lingering effects due to such drastic radiation not from chemo....I'm scared and confused...but want to be happy!!!! anyone else have this issue. I have not undergone chemo or radiation since 2nd week of january 16

     

    cfarthofer

    Hello, I had the glowing on the pet and my oncologist said there is a lot of inflamation and thats why.  It takes a long time to heal, plus Ive been told the radiation is still working even up to 6 months after tx ends.  On the next pet it was less.  I know its hard not to worry but your dr said the cancer is gone.  I wish you well. Lori

  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    edited November 2016 #8
    cfarthofer1028 said:

    scans

    I just was told that my latest PET scan still showed glowing???? but, the doctors told me my cancer is not there.....I asked about the glowing...they said lingering effects due to such drastic radiation not from chemo....I'm scared and confused...but want to be happy!!!! anyone else have this issue. I have not undergone chemo or radiation since 2nd week of january 16

     

    cfarthofer1028

    This is most likely inflammation, caused by the radiation.  Congratulations on getting NED results!

  • cfarthofer1028
    cfarthofer1028 Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2016 #9
    z said:

    cfarthofer

    Hello, I had the glowing on the pet and my oncologist said there is a lot of inflamation and thats why.  It takes a long time to heal, plus Ive been told the radiation is still working even up to 6 months after tx ends.  On the next pet it was less.  I know its hard not to worry but your dr said the cancer is gone.  I wish you well. Lori

    thank you....I feel better

    thank you....I feel better after reading your post!!!

  • cfarthofer1028
    cfarthofer1028 Member Posts: 3
    #10
    mp327 said:

    cfarthofer1028

    This is most likely inflammation, caused by the radiation.  Congratulations on getting NED results!

    Thank you!  I have been

    Thank you!  I have been talking alot with family members too and that has helped!!!

Discussion Boards