Scan frequency

[Shar0n]

I would like to ask a question about CT and PET/CT scanning. If you are on watch and wait or in remission after chemotherapy - how often do you go for scans now?

[Yogafemme2]

I completed chemo in August 2016. I have a PET/MRI every three months.

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to Yogafemme2]

They don't offer PET/MRI where I live and my doctor doesn't use MRI for lymphoma, which is a pity as it would reduce radiation exposure from CT's. I suppose they may not have radiologists available to read them here.

[TezzM]

After my first visit to my Haemotolgist I had CT scan, blood tests, bone marrow sample and pet scan. This was over a two week period an I then returned to the Dr. He asked for blood test and CT scan in 3 months and then back for consultation. Tests were "pleasing" so this time it is 4 months before I do it all again.

[Robin-Newman in reply to TezzM]

My dr. wouldn't order a pet scan for me I wonder why.

[wmay13241]

The frequency depends on your doctor and whether you are in a clinical trial. While not in a clinical trial my wife's oncologist required a PET scan every 3 months. As he noticed progression, he required a PET monthly.

One clinical trial protocol required her to have a CT scan every 3 weeks initially then every 3 months. Another trial required a CT and a PET every month for the first 3 months, then a CT and PET at the 6 month checkup, then a CT scan quarterly, and now only a CT scan every 6 months.

[avegan2]

I completed chemo Jan 20 2106 and had to do 2 scans 6 months apart in 2016. I am hoping to only have 1 scan in 2017. I did want to mention I watched and waited 14 yrs before ever having a scan starting in 2002.

[Robin-Newman in reply to avegan2]

So you knew you had NHL for 14 years ... may I ask what your symptoms were.

About 2 years before my diagnoses I had severe bouts with fatigue to the point of feeling so ill I had to go to bed. My OBGYN said I wasn't a spring chicken any more and sent me on my way. I was 50.

Then my primary at the time... I told him something wasn't right and ask for my thyroid to be tested. He did lab work on that came back normal and sent me on my way.

Next day I had a monogram and there it was. They snagged the tumors ...they were everywhere.

I knew something wasn't right. And it explained my past several years of feeling ill.

I hope your sans are going well. Please keep us posted!!!

[Jfournie72]

My mom only had 1 CT scan 6 months after she was told she was in remission for NHL (DLBCL). MD visits were every 3 to 6 months to check nodes, symptoms and labs.

[laylalulu]

Hi my onogologist never sent me for any. I had my spleen out and he went off the bloodwork for one year. Then when I saw him I thought he'd send me for one, nope he said I was doing great and too many scans are not good for us. This past year I was anxious a great deal I actually thought I could feel something in my neck going on and my chest was sore and shortbof breath. My GP sent me for a full catscan. It was all good thank god. Again I saw my cancer doc he said blood was excellent see you on two years now!

[oncloudnine]

I have been in remission from NHL for 3 months now. My last Ct scan and Pet scan was just prior to going into remission. Now I see my oncologist every 3 months for 2 years, and every 6 months for 3 years. I have blood work prior to each visit and the results let my oncologist know if there may be cancer present.

[l-al]

Your doctor will answer that, depends.

[Tinkerbellcgy]

It is usual for me to have a CT scan to diagnose and then another toward the end of treatment to ascertain if remission has been attained. Over the years, I have had 3 CT Scan guided biopsies. I have had one PET scan which was part of the pre-transplant testing. I refuse MRI testing due to claustrophobia.

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to Tinkerbellcgy]

Thanks for responding, Tinkerbellcgy. I had a PET CT scan after surgery and biopsy at the end of 2014 and then two bone marrow biopsies, so have been fairly extensively tested . I wondered whether there was much variation in scan frequency . I have blood tests every four months now and would be referred for PET CT again if indicated .

[Tinkerbellcgy in reply to Shar0n]

I have had 3 bone marrow biopsies at the start of each occurrence of lymphoma. Prior to and during the stem cell transplant process I was subject to a plethora of tests particulars of which escape my memory. I plead chemo brain! ☺

In general, my oncologist tries to keep the more complex tests to a minimum with routine blood tests being the exception. I have been in remission once again for about 6 months now and the only testing that will be done now until needed will be blood work prior to each appointment with my oncologist.

[BelindaTupper]

My doctor schedules them very infrequently. I had several (abdomen, chest and neck) when I was diagnosed in 2015, one after my chemo treatment to check for remission, but that was it. I'm hoping that I will have one at the end of my two years of maintenance treatment (June 2017) so that I can have some level of knowledge about what's going on in there.

[Shar0n Volunteer in reply to BelindaTupper]

That sounds like a sensible approach - not too often and only when necessary. Everything with this illness seems to be about balance.

[BelindaTupper]

Well, I had my last Rituxin treatment on June 20th (DONE!) LG blood level has increased since my last test 3 months ago, so now monthly blood work and doc has scheduled a CT scan to rule out a return of NHL. Hoping for clear results on all fronts.

[Andilynn]

I had CT scans at the end of treatment and maintenance for MZL. Now I will have blood work every six months and an ultrasound of the spleen once a year.