Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 7 | Welcome Lisa! Glad you have found our site to help you with your post OC questions.
It sounds like you have not been treated at a major Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) which would be going by The National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines. The guidelines for follow up are getting scanned every 3 - 6 months post treatment. At least thats how the majority of us are scheduled for follow ups. I suggest asking your doc about having a scan done. Many of us also get 'scoped' during our checkups. Did you have rads or just surgery?
As far as a recurrence goes, that is the biggest fear of all members. When I was new, I was so afraid of getting a recurrence I wouldnt even read anything in that section. A recurrence would likely present itself much in the same way the first OC did. Some OC patients get mets to the lungs which would show up on a scan.
Try your very best not to worry. I know its easier said than done. Cancer is a thief that will steal your precious time away from you. Instead of going out and enjoying life many patients become paralyzed with the "what if's" and worry constantly about being sick again. Worrying will never change any test results or make anything better all it will do is cause unneeded stress which has a negative impact on the patient. When you find yourself 'going there' try to limit the time you spend pondering things then move on to more positive things to think about. It takes lots of practice but its a skill that can be learned.
Best wishes!
Last edited by ChristineB; 06-07-2013 07:45 AM.
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive |