SO simply put my question today is what's the best kind of scan is used for detecting recurrence? Aside from clinical detection my FIL is having a PET scan tomorrow. I suppose he'll be getting these every three months for the next few years, but I wanted to know what the latest opinions are on them? Are there any other types of scans recommended?

I haven't been here in a long time, after 4 months in India and being the main decision maker for my father in law's care, I guess I just sort of tuned out everything once he was finished with his IMRT. But now I am glad to be back because 1. I know a small amount about this stuff and hope to be a support to somebody. 2. What you all go through really matters to me, and if somebody's not doing well or somebody has good news it matters to me.


Thanks,
Tasha

My RO told me he's not going to schedule any kind of scans for a while because of false positives and he said I've been through enough and I don't need the added stress. I see my dentist every 4 months, my RO every 3 months, my ENT every month, and my Primary every 6 months. It will be that way for one year...I finished tx 11-4-08

I'm scheduled for PET scans every six months - and I think they are the standard. I had my first one three months out of treatment and I will have my next one in April - 6 months after my first one.

PET scans show many false results. They light up for a simple inflamation. Ive had the false positive results and its terrifying. Usually the first PET after treatments have been finished is around the 4 month point. Then its every 6 months then will go to yearly.

For the PET scan, your FIL should avoid sugar, exercise, carbs and drink tons of water. Preparing like that and resting will give more accurate results.

Hope the test comes out clear.