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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 67
Frank W Offline OP
Supporting Member (50+ posts)
OP Offline
Supporting Member (50+ posts)

Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 67
Hello all,

I have not posted in a while. Hope everyone is well.

My company is going to change health insurance from the Anthem/Blue Cross PPO to an Anthem HRA. The bottom line is that I will need to start managing health care expenses or just accept that I will always hit the maximum out of pocket contribution.

The question I have is regarding after treatment care, both PET CTs and physician check-ups. I finished treatment in May of 2008 and had PET CTs in May 2009 and another in May 2010. Both clear; yah! I have also seen a doctor every three months, rotating between the surgeon, oncologist and radiation oncologist. There is not unanimity between the 3 with regards to frequency of visits or PETs. Some are more conservative than others.

While I appreciate the peace of mind that comes with a clear PET CT, I wonder if I need to continue to get one annually. I plan to discuss with my doctors at my next appointment. The advice from this forum has always been helpful and insightful. What are your thoughts and your experiences?

Thanks for being here.



Frank

SCC Right Tonsil Dx 2/25/2008 at age 43
T1N2B M0,Stage IVa
8mm primary removed 3/5/08
4cm lymph node removed 2/22/08
2 additional sub cm nodes
Tx at Stanford: 30 x IMRT, 2 x Cisplatin,
Started radiation 3/27/08, Completed 5/7/08
p16+, HPV 16+
2 Year Post-TX PET CT 5/10 - CLEAR
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,844
Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
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Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,844
Frank,

I had a pet every 6 months for 2 years after treatment. My ENT told me that my last scan looked great and so did my mouth so he didn't feel further scans were needed, just checkups every 6 months. Definitely check with your Dr and his thoughts but that's my experience.





Young Frack, SCC T4N2M0, Cisplatin,35+ rads,ND, RT Mandiblectomy w fibular free flap, facial paralysis, "He who has a "why" to live can bear with almost any "how"." -Nietzche "WARNING" PG-13 due to Sarcasm & WAY too much attitude, interact at your own risk.
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 179
"OCF Down Under"
Senior Member (100+ posts)
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"OCF Down Under"
Senior Member (100+ posts)

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 179
Hi Frank,

I'm from Perth, Australia. I finished my treatment in early sept, and over here PET scans is not done unless the oncologist/ENT thinks its necessary. CT scans is performed every 6 months.

Minh


35 Yrs old
03/10 SCC T1-T2
Partial Glossectemy end March - margins not clear enough.
While waiting for resection - cancer returned,2 new cancerous lumps
Re-section End May & flap from cheek attatched. Margins clear.
Mid June - 4 teeth out
Mid July -32 Rads and 3 Cisplatin
6th Sept 10 Finished Treatment!!

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