Ok expert ladies - Just had a good question that my research hasn't answered so far. My mum was questioning what happens post chemo to see if it has worked and/or kept in remission ie scans.
Obviously CA125 is monitored but what about scans? Are they MRI or CT? And are they just abdominal or full body? How often?
Thanks
Em
Hi Em,
I had a CT scan (abdomen and pelvis) a couple of weeks after finishing chemo. Since then I have had my CA125 checked.
My hospital doesn't routinely do further CT scans unless they have a reason to. I had one today because I've been having some pains, so my gynae just wanted it as a precaution.
Most hospitals do things slightly differently, but I think almost everyone has an 'end of chemo' CT to check what's happened.
Hope this helps,
Yosh x
unfortunately oncologists disagree....drove me mad! There has been some research done to support the'wait and watch' philosophy which also says...sorry about this....that people with OC tend to live slightly longer if they are not retreated too soon. And, of course, some live for ever, retreated or not!!
I got the research from McMillan and was not as impressed with its quality as I expected to be. However, it seems to have received lots of accolades. If it were me, and I was starting again post first line treatment, I would insist on a scan...hated being the one responsible for deciding it was necessary. However, scans are not without their own risks. Good luck in your decision making and be honest with your team....Chris x
Hi Em, your Mum will have the 125 taken on the last day to compare the trending of the bloods. She may have a follow up scan depending on the gynae oncologist or the oncologist. She should have three months checks with both extending in time to 6 months. Scans seem not as regular as before but it also depends on the oncologists protocol
Hi Em,
I had a CT scan after finishing treatment, this was tied in with my CA125 results. My oncologist doesn't like to do scans unless necessary due to exposure to radiation unnecessarily. I currently have check ups every 6 months where bloods and CA125 are checked. If my CA125 changed or if I have any issues then they will do scans to see what's going on.
I think that different trusts have different ideas but so long as regular checkups are done and bloods remain steady then that should be fine.
Your mum will become used to how her body feels once treatment ends and will be super alert for any changes and be able to contact her oncology team if at all concerned. It is strange once treatment ends, a new normal life starts and it isn't full of doctors and hospital appointments and she may feel a little lost at first, I did, but it's also nice to get off the treatment treadmill.
Sending best wishes to you both, it's really nice for your mum to have such a lovely supportive daughter. ❤xx Jane
Thanks for the info. Apologies it is me that is having OC treatment! My post wasn't clear! Oops!
Hi Em
Lots of good responses already for you - to add my views too - an end of treatment scan and CA125 test, then generally a CA125 test every 3 months and discussion about any symptoms, how you are feeling etc.
It's generally about monitoring the TREND of CA125 after treatment, some oncologists don't want to even do bloods but I politely said I'd like mine taken - for trend and peace of mind. It's great if they stay stable and if they rise it's usually a three reading check - unless it spikes of course! Don't worry ahead about this please!!!
Post treatment and the final end of treatment scan you will generally only have a scan IF you are having symptoms plus a change in CA.
This takes some getting used to and becomes the new 'normal'.
Take care and hopefully you can reassure your mum that you will be checked and looked after
Clare xx
You will likely have a scan at the end of treatment together with the CA-125 blood test. This will determine how well the treatment has worked. Thereafter you will have three-monthly follow-up visits, possibly with a CA-125 test. You will unlikely be given more scans unless you have symptoms of recurrence.
Some hospitals work slightly differently but the three-monthly visits seem standard. Should you get symptoms you can bring your visit forward without going through your GP.
Not sure how many chemo you have to go but good luck. It's such a feeling of relief when they're done and you can slowly get over the side effects at last.
I have neck thorax abdomen and pelvis as my CA level has crept up. Usually CT but MRI if more details needed. Mine recurred in the pelvis which signifies cell spillage from initial surgery
LA
Hi I am currently waiting for my full ct report after finishing chemo end of Jan, scan was Feb 6th. Saw my onco last week but he was unable to confirm my results as he hasn't got the typed report, back log of 6-8 weeks!! I wasn't given another blood test after my chemo finished, the last one to check my 125 was pre the last chemo. Is that a slip up? So feeling abit in limbo. I have been told that I will get 3 monthly checks but no further bloods or scans unless I report symptoms, I don't find that very reassuring. Good luck Em on your journey. xx
Hi Em, oh that feeling of losing the safety net of frequent Dr. visit, blood tests and treatments can be very worrying. I remember just staring at my doctor right before my last chemo with real concern and saying, "What, 3 month before I see you, again? No tests til then?" and he smiled and said not to worry, and get out and enjoy life. But it took a while!
It's been 1 year post chemo and I see him every 3 months, have a CA125 test and that's it. He won't do any scans unless unless I report symptoms that warrant it.
Take a deep breath and think of all the extra time you will have now. Listen to your body and take notes of any consistent concerns. Otherwise congratulate yourself on finishing treatment!
Hi, I finished chemo 3 weeks ago and will have a CA125 and CT scan next week. I've been told the scan will be from chest to pelvis. I'm booked in to see my onc the following week for results. Hope this helps.
All the best,
Sarah🌷
Hi Em. I don't think it's ever an MRI - probably too expensive. Three-monthly CT scans of chest & abdo - if your Mum had tumours in areas other than chest/abdo, then it would no doubt include those areas. Plus CA125, probably monthly. These things can vary from onc to onc and hospital to hospital. Best wishes. Pauline.
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