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