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What happens after last chemo?
Asked by CherieF on Wednesday, July 10, 2019
What happens after last chemo?
I take my last chemo on Monday. I have to have 6 weeks of radiation but is there A diagnostic test between to see where I stand?
10 Answers from the Community
GregP_WN
It depends on the type of cancer, what your stage was and your doctor's typical method of treatments. Some will get a pet scan to verify you are good. Others a CT scan, some an MRI. It varies widely. For my last diagnosis I got a pet scan, then each 6 months a scan again, then a yearly scan for 3 years, then nothing since then.
- 5 Like
5 months agoCherieF
Thank you Greg . I have stage 3 malignant neoplasm breast cancer. I am just trying to figure out what's next....no pun intended.
- 5 Like
5 months agoCarool
For my b.c. I continued seeing my breast surgeon and my oncologist every three months, at first. I also took Tamoxifen, but I saw that your cancer was negative for estrogen, so you won’t be on that. I was told that I wouldn’t have any tests unless I felt pain. After a period of time (can’t remember how long), I graduated to seeing my doctors every six months. Eventually, once a year. After a number of years, I was put into the Survivorship Program at my hospital, and saw a nurse practitioner every year. Now I see no one and have annual mammograms and breast sonograms.
Each person is different; each hospital is different. Your schedule may differ. Congratulations on finishing chemo!
- 5 Like
5 months agobeachbum5817
I am 5 years out of treatment, and my survivorship plan, was pretty much like @Carool's. My difference was I am HER2 positive, so I had to continue my Herceptin treatment for the following 7 months. I don't receive any routine scans.
- 5 Like
5 months agocllinda
I had doctor appointments every three months for a year, and then it went to every six months and then once a year. Extra mammography was done for the first year.
They also had me visit the surgeon every six months and then once a year. After a while, I stopped this.
My radiation did wanted to see me every six months and then he retired. I saw his replacement once and thought to myself that he doesn't know me so why bother.
My hospital had a group that met for six weeks after treatment was over. They discussed our feelings, financial advice, medical help and more. They also told us about the programs they have to help survivors. Like support groups, exercise groups, free access to a dietician and a therapist, and so much more.
I have met many people this way and a few are now my friends. We are survivors and we carry on.
- 4 Like
5 months agofiddler
The port was removed a week or two after the last dose
Then I went to radiation for 32 zaps
Then my hair started to grow back 3 months later
Then my energy started to climb a year later
Then my energy was pretty good 2 years later
Then 3 years later my energy was pretty much what it was before C ... and ... a heart attack
- 3 Like
5 months agofiddler
Then 6 years later my lungs are not working properly
- 4 Like
5 months agoBarbarainBham
Monitoring tests ordered is a question for your doctor to answer, since it's based on your medical history and the doctor's preference. Best wishes.
- 5 Like
5 months agoNeckCancer
That's a good question with a lot of good answers, thanks for posting it, I have been wondering what to do after it's over.
- 5 Like
5 months agoPaulineJ
A scan was never given to me.I went from doctors to a surgeon to (2 surgeries) ,because by then it spreaded to my lymp noyds.I happen to be in that situation of having bc for 2-3 years,because my primary doctor left within that time.
- 2 Like
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