Hi Lori,
Similar to some of the others who have posted, my experience is quite the opposite of yours. For stage III/IV patients at the University of Chicago they monitor with a CT of Brain, Head& Neck, Chest , and abdomin every three months for the first two years, then every six months until the five year point. Initially, I was concerned about the amount of radiation that represented, but then came to look forward to the quarterly reassurance they provided.
There doesn't seem to be agreement on this, but it sure would seem prudent to me to monitor for mets in those patients with known initial lymph node involvement.
Could it be an Insurance issue? I know that recently U of C required preapproval on my CT, because BCBS had implemented some controls.
Just a thought. Don't want too take your thread too far off.

You and Don have my best wishes for a positive outcome.

Good Health,

Chuck