Just saw my surgeon for a 1 1/2 year followup that went okay. He had first mentioned that the odds go up significantly after year 2 and at year 5 you could consider yourself cured. But at this followup he mentioned to give myself to year 3. Was really looking forward to celebrating at year 2 which would be in September. Has anyone heard from their doctors what milestones to look forward to? I try to just take one day at a time but this really threw me for a loop and I can't seem to get that date out of my mind. Thanks - Kris

Kris,
Seems like it is mentioned frequently on this board and other places that most recurrences happen within the first 2 years. My husband's oncologist told us at the start that at 3 years out you can rest easy. But he has since let me know that, in their H&N cancer clinic, they see the majority of recurrences/treatment failures in the first year. Basically, his attititude is the more time goes by, the better off you are.

My husband's 1-year check is this week and I am feeling pretty anxious about it.

Anita

Hi Kris,
My oncologist told me that I had a one in four chance of a recurrence within the first two years. He also said that most occur within the first year. He said that after two years, my chances are much lower. He also said that at 5 years they will consider me "cured". Hope this helps. I am approaching my first year anniversary of my surgery and feel pretty good about it all.

Hi Kris,
Since there there are conflicting numbers all over the place for survival data (one doctor told me 80% chance of recurrence in the first year, 95% chance of recurrence by the end of the second year (that's probably a combined number with the first year)). I have heard some doctors say 10 years to be declared "cancer free". I would suggest having a great celebration at year 2 and then an even bigger party at year 3. Every DAY we have post Tx is a gift, every year even more so.

Congratulations on 18 months - that's my next goal!

Hi Kris,

We just had this discussion at: OCF PREVIOUS POST

Gary's numbers are what I have heard (from my ENT). Namely 95% of recurrances happen before year 2. The other number of 85% before year 1 sounds about right and yes the way I read that means the second year is 10% of recurrances. Of course we have gone through the reality check that you don't get 85% anyway. You either live (100%) or you don't (0%) I say celebrate every day and twice at your 2 year mark!

The FAA says 3 years from end of treatment you can apply to have your medical reinstated. Providing you provide them with all sorts of documentation.

They consider you pretty much safe to fly and from recurrances after the 3 year mark.

If the government says so, it must be true!

Bob S.

Thanks for all of your replys! I do pretty well until it gets close to a checkup date and then to have him add another year ...well, it was a bummer. I have received so much support just reading these messages over the last 2 years, guess I just missed the one regarding milestones. I shall look forward to celebrating year 2 and 3!!! My prayers to all of you - Kris

Hobo.... the first year after treatment I couldn't care less about flying, and certainly not the aerobatic routines I loved so much before cancer, I was glad to be walking around town. By year two after treatment I started to feel like my old self again, (or at least a weak carbon copy of the old me) and I spent some time in a Pitts S2B with a safety pilot just to get back in the saddle. By year three I was ready to start pulling serious g's again, and that's when I realized that not being physically fit as I was before was going to temper my flying. I never had an issue with the FAA and my medical. Unlike cardiac events, which can take someone out at the stick and in the air during PIC time (a definite hazard to flight) after recovery from a first event, cancer isn't really on their radar as a condition that recurrences seem to concern them much. I went for a new flight physical, my history of oral cancer was noted, but no restrictions were put on my ticket. It was pretty much up to the examining doc as to whether or not I was good to go. FAA regs require that the FAA be informed by the ticket holder if "potentially compromising medical events" take place during the period covered by the medical exam. Failure to do so can cause permanent loss of your ticket regardless of your health later on. But at least in my case, once I was ready to fly again and take the flight physical, no one asked how long I had been out of treatment. As a side note since you are a pilot, I have never (6 year out now) been able to develop the physical ability to tolerate the maneuvers I used to do. I am very content though to do some very basic aerobatics (loops, rolls, spins, hammerheads, etc.) and enjoy the flight as opposed to viewing the experience like I did before, when more aggressive flying was a test of man and machine. I'll leave that to the young guys. Besides, you know the saying..."There are old pilots, and there are bold pilots, but there are no old, bold pilots". I think that besides cancer, age has caught up with me.