The Colon Club

I had a CT scan of pelvis, abdomen, and chest last Wednesday.
I was particularly worried since I hadn't had a chest scan since before I started chemo. The radiologist faxed the report to the wrong number at the clinic, so after a long weekend, finally got the results this morning and all clear.. No sign of cancer. So very thankful. I am almost three years out from the routine colonoscopy that found my cancer....I hope to keep the NED streak going for many, many years to come.

Something my doctor mentioned at my visit last week... That there is a growing consensus for fewer scans .. that the radiation and contrast isn't good for the patient and that frequent scans don't increase life span. Has anyone else heard that? I am only scanned once a year as it is. I don't know how I feel about being scanned less. I do hate the scans... My stress was pretty significant. Hemp gummies got me through.

Happy for your Ned status!

Congratulations!

Congratulations on being in NEDville. Yes getting scans has been an issues. Me personally, I wanted them. Chemo has taken a toll on my body, "that" more than likely the scans will catch up with me first. I've heard more than once, I want to be around in 15 to 20 years and "experience" the results of all those scans have done to my body.

Lee

Congratulations on your second year of NED!!!

I finished chemo and had CT scan in August and had PET scan in September. I was then given my 5 year plan based on a new protocol that was just being implemented.

Blood tests with CEA, plus ultrasound and x-ray at 6 months, 18 months, and so on. Blood tests with CEA, plus CT scan at 12 months, 24 months, and so on. Colonoscopy every 12 months on anniversary of surgery. I was told this was the new protocol and that after 36 months NED it my be reviewed. The reason I was given was as you said, risks outweighed the benefits of more frequent scans. I am in Ontario, Canada if that makes a difference?

I would be interested to hear others opinons on the benefits of more frequent scans.

mob

That's awesome! Wishing you many many more nice and clean CTs and MRIs
I get so excited everytime I see a new post titled GOOD NEWS.

These good news add more and more hope in the hearts of those who just landed in the world of cancer.

There was an article in the WSJ about the chemicals used in contrast and fewer may be better but peace of mind is worth something too.

Congratulations!