Interval between CT Scans

LivinginNH
LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
Hi all,

I have another question regarding intervals between treatments - except that this time it's in regard to how often Rick should receive CT's scans after his last round of chemo (he starts back up on Monday with FOLFOX for 8 rounds). I read many of the postings which have indicated that CT scans every two months for a year is normal. However, his local onc. told him that he would prescribe a 6 month interval between scans. When I mentioned my concern, Rick scheduled an appointment with his main oncologist at Mass. General to discuss the other doctor's plan. So, my question is, if Mass. Gen. onc. agrees with the six month interval, should we push her to make them more like 2-3 months between scans?? I just don't want anything to sneak up on us... Thanks everyone!

Cynthia

Comments

  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #2
    Cynthia, is he Stage III or
    Cynthia, is he Stage III or Stage IV?
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #3
    dianetavegia said:

    Cynthia, is he Stage III or
    Cynthia, is he Stage III or Stage IV?

    Hi Diane,
    He is Stage IV,

    Hi Diane,

    He is Stage IV, and 42 yrs.old. He had colon surgery in early December, then a liver resection on 8 March to remove four tumors. The FOLFOX took them down from golf ball size to pea size. He is doing well, no complications, and the doctors are very pleased with his recovery to date. So now we're just trying to keep the beast from recurring. On another note, is there a particular diet that he should follow? His surgeon stated that Rick didn't need to limit anything, but I feel as if he should stay away from red meat, etc... All inputs are greatly appreciated on this topic too!

    Thanks!

    Cynthia
  • abrub
    abrub Member Posts: 2,174 Member
    #4
    CT Frequency varies by dr/diagnosis
    I was originally on a 3 month schedule, but told that my tumor type is very slow growing. I asked to be put on a 6 month schedule, to which my dr acquiesced. After my next scan (in 2 weeks) I expect to go onto an annual schedule. Unless the cancer is very fast growing, nothing will show in CT scans done too soon, and I'm concerned about the xray exposure.

    As your onc why he or she feels that 6 months is appropriate. It turns out, the 3 month schedule was to make me comfortable; I decided I didn't need that.
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #5
    abrub said:

    CT Frequency varies by dr/diagnosis
    I was originally on a 3 month schedule, but told that my tumor type is very slow growing. I asked to be put on a 6 month schedule, to which my dr acquiesced. After my next scan (in 2 weeks) I expect to go onto an annual schedule. Unless the cancer is very fast growing, nothing will show in CT scans done too soon, and I'm concerned about the xray exposure.

    As your onc why he or she feels that 6 months is appropriate. It turns out, the 3 month schedule was to make me comfortable; I decided I didn't need that.

    Hi,
    The tumor biopsy

    Hi,

    The tumor biopsy indicated that it was an aggressive type of colon cancer, so that's the main reason why I'm questioning the 6 month interval. So even though he is doing well with the FOLFOX regimen, I'm still concerned about waiting so long between scans. The CT radiation concerns me too, but I'm trying to balance the radiation effects vs. not finding another possible tumor. So many questions....so many decisions....
  • dianetavegia
    dianetavegia Member Posts: 1,942 Member
    #6
    Cynthia,
    I 'bumped' the
    Cynthia,

    I 'bumped' the thread on Modified Citrus Pectin for you. It's VERY interestin! Also, Here's the link for the Mediterranean Diet, which has been shown to help.

    Click Here
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #7
    dianetavegia said:

    Cynthia,
    I 'bumped' the
    Cynthia,

    I 'bumped' the thread on Modified Citrus Pectin for you. It's VERY interestin! Also, Here's the link for the Mediterranean Diet, which has been shown to help.

    Click Here

    Cynthia....
    I am also Stage 4, but my onc has me on 3 month intervals with my scans. I'd also be nervous waiting 6 months, if you feel unsure about that waiting period, I'd actually ask the onc to make it to 3, just to be on the safe side, and have peace of mind as well :)

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #8
    Shayenne said:

    Cynthia....
    I am also Stage 4, but my onc has me on 3 month intervals with my scans. I'd also be nervous waiting 6 months, if you feel unsure about that waiting period, I'd actually ask the onc to make it to 3, just to be on the safe side, and have peace of mind as well :)

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna

    Hi Donna,
    Thank you for

    Hi Donna,

    Thank you for responding, that's exactly how we feel - we need the peace of mind! I was rather surprised to hear that his local doctor wants 6 month intervals since so many people out here have been saying 2-3 months when they have Stage IV. And we've come so far with the surgery and all that we just don't want a set back. I will now definitely say something if the Mass. Gen. onc. agrees to the 6 mos. plan.

    Thanks you! :-)

    Cynthia
  • abmb
    abmb Member Posts: 311
    #9
    Hi
    Hi, Cynthia. I know exactly how you feel. My husband finished chemo in Nov. had a CT scan in December and when I asked his onc. on Tuesday when the next one would be scheduled he said he only does them once per year. I thought I was going to die. He did then go on to say that he runs the CEA bloodwork every three months the first year. I reminded him then that my husband has not had that done since Nov. In short one was ordered in Feb., but nurses did not draw. He had one on Tues. no results yet. I will wait till tomorrow at the latest and then call. I feel if his level has not gone up, then I will try not to worry. It isn't easy being the caregiver all the time. I think I worry more than my husband. Take care and God Bless, hope all goes well. Margaret
  • LivinginNH
    LivinginNH Member Posts: 1,456 Member
    #10
    abmb said:

    Hi
    Hi, Cynthia. I know exactly how you feel. My husband finished chemo in Nov. had a CT scan in December and when I asked his onc. on Tuesday when the next one would be scheduled he said he only does them once per year. I thought I was going to die. He did then go on to say that he runs the CEA bloodwork every three months the first year. I reminded him then that my husband has not had that done since Nov. In short one was ordered in Feb., but nurses did not draw. He had one on Tues. no results yet. I will wait till tomorrow at the latest and then call. I feel if his level has not gone up, then I will try not to worry. It isn't easy being the caregiver all the time. I think I worry more than my husband. Take care and God Bless, hope all goes well. Margaret

    Hi Margaret
    Hi Margaret,

    That's the other problem, his type of cancer doesn't give off any markers, so there's no way of knowing what the CEA levels are at all! Therefore, we're kind of flying blind, which makes the CT scans even more important in my eyes. My best wishes go out to you and your husband for good results! Take care, Cynthia

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