Postby dianne052506 » Fri Jan 24, 2014 11:52 am
Tammy,
When you finish chemo, it is easy to feel like you've been turned loose from someone who was watching closely over you, and that all of a sudden you're on your own. It doesn't have to be that way, but it make take some deliberate questioning by you to make sure everything is covered.
Assuming you had a port for chemo, you will still have to go back to the onc's office every 4-6 weeks to have the port flushed. They will most likely do blood work at that time. I would ask to be sure they are checking CEA at least every other visit. That appointment is also a wonderful time to bring up any concerns or worries you have, and ask for which things you should see your regular doctor, and what needs to be brought to the onc's attention. Somewhere in that first 6 months, I would see my regular doc, and make sure he/she has been kept in the loop with medications, scan reports, etc.
I was dx'd stage IV, and had CT scans once a quarter. I would think something similar would be appropriate for you, too. Make sure before you leave the clinic after your last chemo that you've asked the questions to get your onc's plan for the next year. Just knowing you have those regular appts will make you feel better. Best of luck,
Dianne
'
May 06 Stage IV CC: liver,ovarian mets
Oct 07 inoperable lung mets
Feb 08 - Apr'12 chemo
allergic to oxaliplatin, irinotecan
Aug '12-Feb'14 Genentech PD-L1/Avastin trial
Mar '14 -radiation to largest lung nodule
still recovering; looking at trials again