Frequency of scans

That seems like a very strange comment: "no scans unless there is evidence". I was always under the impression that scans are used to monitor you and if something suspicious is seen, then further action will be taken.

I'm stage III, currently in a trial, and my scan schedule is: first year every 3 months, 2nd year every 6 months. I'm not sure if and when the every 6 months will change.

That seems like a very strange comment: "no scans unless there is evidence". I was always under the impression that scans are used to monitor you and if something suspicious is seen, then further action will be taken.

I'm stage III, currently in a trial, and my scan schedule is: first year every 3 months, 2nd year every 6 months. I'm not sure if and when the every 6 months will change.

That seems like a very strange comment: "no scans unless there is evidence". I was always under the impression that scans are used to monitor you and if something suspicious is seen, then further action will be taken.

I'm stage III, currently in a trial, and my scan schedule is: first year every 3 months, 2nd year every 6 months. I'm not sure if and when the every 6 months will change.

There is no "scan concensus" across institutions.  Some institutions scan a lot.  Others do not scan unless you are having symptoms.  Studies have shown that scans don't change outcomes so that is why many places will not scan without symptoms.  Scans are big business.  In addition, insurance may balk at frequent scans without evidence of their necessity.  You'll find that rationale and frequecy is all over the spectrum here — so the best thing to do is work with your insurance and caregivers to find something that works FOR YOU!

There is no "scan concensus" across institutions.  Some institutions scan a lot.  Others do not scan unless you are having symptoms.  Studies have shown that scans don't change outcomes so that is why many places will not scan without symptoms.  Scans are big business.  In addition, insurance may balk at frequent scans without evidence of their necessity.  You'll find that rationale and frequecy is all over the spectrum here — so the best thing to do is work with your insurance and caregivers to find something that works FOR YOU!

There is no "scan concensus" across institutions.  Some institutions scan a lot.  Others do not scan unless you are having symptoms.  Studies have shown that scans don't change outcomes so that is why many places will not scan without symptoms.  Scans are big business.  In addition, insurance may balk at frequent scans without evidence of their necessity.  You'll find that rationale and frequecy is all over the spectrum here — so the best thing to do is work with your insurance and caregivers to find something that works FOR YOU!

I've "graduated" to seeing my oncologist every 6 months, where his protocol right now is to do a PET/CT scan – that may change with the new guidelines.  Historically, when I've seen him between PET/CT scans and mentioneded ANY symptom (headache, coughing, abdominal pain) that could indicate a recurrence, he would order either a CT or MRI to rule out it out.  I don't think any melanoma patient is going to have difficulty getting their oncologist to do a scan.  Oncologists tend to be a cautious bunch, especially when it comes to something as unpredictable as melanoma.

I've "graduated" to seeing my oncologist every 6 months, where his protocol right now is to do a PET/CT scan – that may change with the new guidelines.  Historically, when I've seen him between PET/CT scans and mentioneded ANY symptom (headache, coughing, abdominal pain) that could indicate a recurrence, he would order either a CT or MRI to rule out it out.  I don't think any melanoma patient is going to have difficulty getting their oncologist to do a scan.  Oncologists tend to be a cautious bunch, especially when it comes to something as unpredictable as melanoma.

I've "graduated" to seeing my oncologist every 6 months, where his protocol right now is to do a PET/CT scan – that may change with the new guidelines.  Historically, when I've seen him between PET/CT scans and mentioneded ANY symptom (headache, coughing, abdominal pain) that could indicate a recurrence, he would order either a CT or MRI to rule out it out.  I don't think any melanoma patient is going to have difficulty getting their oncologist to do a scan.  Oncologists tend to be a cautious bunch, especially when it comes to something as unpredictable as melanoma.

I had one PET scan at the end of my year and haven't been scanned since.  I have chest x rays and bloodwork twice a year.  I only have scans if I'm having any symptoms. 

Amy S. in Michigan

I had one PET scan at the end of my year and haven't been scanned since.  I have chest x rays and bloodwork twice a year.  I only have scans if I'm having any symptoms. 

Amy S. in Michigan

I had one PET scan at the end of my year and haven't been scanned since.  I have chest x rays and bloodwork twice a year.  I only have scans if I'm having any symptoms. 

Amy S. in Michigan

I don't think there is really a question about the doctors not wanting to scan you…it is the insurance companies not wanting to do the scanning. My husband has had scans every 3 months since his diagnosis 1 year ago (sometimes even more because he got sick after taking ipi on a trial) until last month when our insurance company would not approve his scans. I called them because i was very anxious to get these scans as these would mark his 1 year NED if they didn't show anything. The insurance company telsl me that it seems that scans are becoming very common with my my husband and they want to make sure that he needed them before they pay for them. They acted like he loved to get CT scans and was doing it for fun. I wanted to say lady we will glady stop with these scans if you can just tell us this melanoma is gone for good. I was very frustrated with them. But we finally got them approved because my husband has 2 nodes in his neck that the doctor is watching. The doctor says this is becomming very common that the insurance does not want to pay for scans. So, who knows when we will get scans again. We see the doctor again in 4 months. The normal with melanoma is supposed to be scans every 3 months for the first year for sure though unless the insurance companies somehow get that changed

mandi

I don't think there is really a question about the doctors not wanting to scan you…it is the insurance companies not wanting to do the scanning. My husband has had scans every 3 months since his diagnosis 1 year ago (sometimes even more because he got sick after taking ipi on a trial) until last month when our insurance company would not approve his scans. I called them because i was very anxious to get these scans as these would mark his 1 year NED if they didn't show anything. The insurance company telsl me that it seems that scans are becoming very common with my my husband and they want to make sure that he needed them before they pay for them. They acted like he loved to get CT scans and was doing it for fun. I wanted to say lady we will glady stop with these scans if you can just tell us this melanoma is gone for good. I was very frustrated with them. But we finally got them approved because my husband has 2 nodes in his neck that the doctor is watching. The doctor says this is becomming very common that the insurance does not want to pay for scans. So, who knows when we will get scans again. We see the doctor again in 4 months. The normal with melanoma is supposed to be scans every 3 months for the first year for sure though unless the insurance companies somehow get that changed

mandi

I don't think there is really a question about the doctors not wanting to scan you…it is the insurance companies not wanting to do the scanning. My husband has had scans every 3 months since his diagnosis 1 year ago (sometimes even more because he got sick after taking ipi on a trial) until last month when our insurance company would not approve his scans. I called them because i was very anxious to get these scans as these would mark his 1 year NED if they didn't show anything. The insurance company telsl me that it seems that scans are becoming very common with my my husband and they want to make sure that he needed them before they pay for them. They acted like he loved to get CT scans and was doing it for fun. I wanted to say lady we will glady stop with these scans if you can just tell us this melanoma is gone for good. I was very frustrated with them. But we finally got them approved because my husband has 2 nodes in his neck that the doctor is watching. The doctor says this is becomming very common that the insurance does not want to pay for scans. So, who knows when we will get scans again. We see the doctor again in 4 months. The normal with melanoma is supposed to be scans every 3 months for the first year for sure though unless the insurance companies somehow get that changed

mandi

Stay with positive and do not feel like you are facing from some one disease and stay normal and enjoy.I will pray for you to cure.

submersible pressure transmitter

Stay with positive and do not feel like you are facing from some one disease and stay normal and enjoy.I will pray for you to cure.

submersible pressure transmitter

Stay with positive and do not feel like you are facing from some one disease and stay normal and enjoy.I will pray for you to cure.

submersible pressure transmitter

It is difficult as we have to learn to live with these standards and can be quite frightening at times. If you are comfortable with your onc that is most important. I wish you comfort and peace of mind. God Bless and have a very happy new year.

home pest controls

It is difficult as we have to learn to live with these standards and can be quite frightening at times. If you are comfortable with your onc that is most important. I wish you comfort and peace of mind. God Bless and have a very happy new year.

home pest controls

It is difficult as we have to learn to live with these standards and can be quite frightening at times. If you are comfortable with your onc that is most important. I wish you comfort and peace of mind. God Bless and have a very happy new year.

home pest controls