Further Followup discussion

ldot123
ldot123 Member Posts: 272
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hello,
I read a posting a short while ago in regard to follow up after treatment for colon cancer. I had stage 3 with 2 lymph node involvement. Had 5FU and Leucovorin for 6 months after my surgery to remove the ascending colon and part of the transverse. I have had good checkups as far as blood work, Xray and ultrasound. The last ultrasound was about 6 months ago. I am going for an ultrasound and chest Xray next month for my year anniversary after chemo. My oncologist does not want to expose me to CT scans because of my previous radiation treatment 20 years ago for Hodgkins. The theory is that I may have developed colon cancer from this treatment as long term Hodgkins survivors are starting to get some after effects. Also of interest to me is that PET scans are not routinly being used here in Canada. There are studies being done on this which I find odd as in the US they seem to be the norm. Also of note is the most recent approval of Avastin to be used and paid for by our health coverage. Sorry to drone on here, but my questions to all of you out there is: are there any other Hodgkins survivors out there with a similar story to mine; is it my imagination but do follow up protocols vary from state to state and country to country and lastly will the Toronto Maple Leafs ever win the Stanley Cup again? :-)
Cheers, Lance

Comments

  • pamness
    pamness Member Posts: 524 Member
    #2
    I, too, was diagnosed Stage III colon cancer with two nodes. I did not, however, have any previous cancer. I did 8 rounds of folfox (although, I had to forgo 3 round of oxalyplatin, it really didn't agree with me.) I had surgery first with 18 inches of colon removed. I then had 28 days of 5fu and radiation. All that said. I have never had a PET scan - my oncologist has said he hasn't seen that there would be any benefit. I have my CEA checked every 3 months and CAT scans every 6 months. So far I am about a year ned. I do thing that protocols vary, case by case and doctor by doctor. Best of luck - I hope you continue to do well.

    Pam
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #3
    Unfortunately I cannot help with the Hodgkins survivorship, but I was DX in 2006 with Stage II colon cancer with NO/MO. Had emergency survery 7/06; temp colostomy; 6 rounds of FLOFOX; colon resection surgery 2/07. Have been NED for 5wo years.

    My check-ups started in Dec 06 with a CT Scan and bloodwork. In 2007, I had a CT Scan and Bloodwork every 3 months and a colonoscopy in Nov 07 because of my age 43; now 44.

    Now that I have had a clean bill of health for 13/14 months, My Oncologist feels I can now go to every 6 month check-ups which will still consist of a CT Scan (NO IV CONTRAST) and bloodwork. I will have another colonoscopy in Nov 08 (peace of mind) and then probably every 2-3 years after that.

    I have read and heard that too many X-Rays, CT Scans, Radiation, etc is not good for anyone and that it can cause additional cancers, but don't know how real and how far back the studies or stats go.

    I hope these posts provide some additinal information for you :)

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