When I walked out of the radiation oncologists office after 5 years with no evidence of disease it was a with a mix of emotions. I was "cancer free", but I felt like I was on my own. I repeatedly asked for advice on what I should do going forward. I repeatedly got different, indifferent, limited responses. An increased risk for leukemia due to chemo, a risk of stroke from radiation exposure to my carotid artery, wear sunscreen...

I've lost track of the time since diagnosis. Ok, it's 7 years roughly. I feel better overall. Taste, energy level, saliva production are back to relatively "normal" levels. I got my MBA, I passed the CPA exams, but I still feel foggy. Sometimes I kind of stall. I forget what I'm doing or find my self staring off. A while back I was adding creamer to my coffee and I noticed I was pouring the creamer in the trash and about to throw the empty container in my coffee. A little funny, but it is becoming distressing.

I feel like I didn't get a post cancer treatment plan. Should I get a PET scan at some point? Did the cisplatin damage my brain in some way? Do I need a brainscan? Should I get my carotid artery evaluated? Is my jaw bone going to deteriorate, what about my teeth? Is the drop off in my vision just from age or is it a peripheral neuropathy issue?

Part of this is just venting, but I can't seem to find someone (medical professional) that is interested in a post cancer life plan for me. I have been trying out general practitioners, but I get a lot of blank looks. Oh, you're a cancer survivor. I thought you would be thinner.

Im sorry to read about your lack of a clear long term plan and follow up! Unfortunately this is pretty much the norm many patients 5+ years out report. When a patient has clear scans and exams then hits their 5 year post treatment cancer-versary most doctors will consider that patient officially cured, they're cancer free. Im not sure if this helps, its just a guess why your physicians are not continuing a follow up plan.

CONGRATS on your success!!!! and as always... best wishes with everything!!!