Hi Lori --

Because of the risk of lung mets, at least at Johns Hopkins they do a PET/CT scan two months after treatment for head/neck cancer which includes the full body down to the hips. This is repeated two months later, and then, at 6 month intervals for two years, then annually. This might change if they see something that needs closer scrutiny; also an MRI or other procedure (including biopsy) would be done if they see any area which appears to be residual or recurrent cancer -- but they might wait a month to see if the area changes (that is, was it inflammation?). When Barry had his first PET/CT scan they found no evidence of cancer but did pick up on some inflammation and scarring in right lung from his post-treatment pneumonia. So they will be checking this also when he has his next scan in March.

I second the advice about contacting the ACS -- they can be very helpful. Just astonished that such a well-known hospital does not have the means to arrange near-by housing for patients.

Gail