Hello all,
Just wondering when others were put on more relaxed follow-up visits. My husband (Stage 4 tonsil cancer) was stretched out into 2 month follow-ups recently. He is exactly (today!) one-year out from diagnosis and has been moved from monthly checks to every-other-month checks. I was a little surprised because I expected this to happen at one-year post treatment, not diagnosis. I know I should feel very good that he is doing well enough to have this new schedule...but I still worry about vigilance. We had a scare right before Thanksgiving that I won't go into...had me back in basket-case zone. But the resulting extra doctor's visit resulted in them telling him that he is really past the main danger period, according to what they see in their practice. This also surprised me. I had the idea that 1 year to 18 months was more of the danger of recurrence zone. I know I'm rambling. Just kind of wondering what others have been told and what kind of schedules as far as checks and scans are the norm at one-year post diagnosis.

Thanks,
Anita

Hi Anita, like your husband I had stage 4 tonsil cancer but my oncologist never told me that I have already passed the most danger period. I would have been more relieved if any doctor had told me this. He only said the first two years are very critical and since I am at a very advanced stage, even after the 2 year mark, I still have a 50/50 chance of recurrence in the years to come. The only thing he and I can do is to keep close observation and have regular checks. I have medical appointment with the oncologist on a 10-week basis and tests including MRT, CT scan and ultrasound annually.There is still the anxiety before each appointment but is gradually decreasing.

Karen stage 4 tonsil cancer diagnosed in 9/01.

Hi Anita,
I am 12 months post Dx and about 9 months post Tx.
I see the head & neck surgeon every 2 months, the oncologist every 3 months and the radiation oncologist every 6 months. In the beginning I seeing each at 6 week intervals.

I heard somewhere that the first year is the most critical, that 95% of recurrences occur in the first year. I don't remember the source or whether this information is even correct. I only mention it because maybe someone (like Brian) with better knowledge, would like to take it on. It might make for an interesting thread.

Gary,
You and my husband are, time-wise, on pretty much the same track. Let's hope that that 95% figure is correct. Do you think that applies to the first year post-diagnosis or post-treatment?

Both the ENT and the oncologist have told us that they see most recurrences in the first year. Our oncologist was going to try to find some data to support this, but hasn't been able to. They are just basing it on what they see in their practice.

Take care,
Anita

I may have heard it at UCSF at my last appointment with the radiation oncologist.

That would be one year post Tx.

The NCCN practice guidelines are follow-ups every 1-3 months the first year.