Bob and Laurie,
The doctors can tell from the CT scans and Xrays that the cancer is gone, and give those pronouncements fairly early in the process. Most of us here have been given a "no cancer" diagnosis following treatment. However, as you will also see here, quite a few people have had recurrences. The bottom line is that there is no guarantee of what will happen in the future. I live my life and hope for the best. I am getting married in December.

During and after treatment I was given frequent appointments with my surgeon, oncologist and radiation oncologist, and now that treatment has been completed for over two years, I still see all three doctors, but less frequently. Even though I never had any surgery, the surgeon happened to be the head of my medical team and the one with whom I spoke most frequently. Having a surgeon does not mean that surgery will be necessary following radiation and chemo.

Best of luck in the future,
Danny G.