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tests?

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    • October 5, 2020 at 1:09 pm
    tkoss
    Participant
      last tested with CT scans at 6 months o fimmo. NED. 3c.

      i will end immo therapy in 3 months.

      what test are necessary in years to come and how often?

      For instance i had an MRI for brain at initial testing prior to immo but not a 6 months and it is not on the menu in the future.

      so what test do i need and how often after immo and of course before any re-occurence?

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        • October 5, 2020 at 9:34 pm
        Daisy2018
        Participant
          I m not an expert by any means.
          Your MRI was good?!
          I would do CAT/PET every 6 months.
          Not sure if health insurances cover more often. They do cover of you have symptoms. If you feel anything weird than you would ask for a scan. If you have headaches ask for an MRI.
          Best regards.
            • October 5, 2020 at 10:39 pm
            tkoss
            Participant
              what the diff between CAT and PET, melanoma wise?
              • October 6, 2020 at 6:24 am
              MelMel
              Participant
                CAT is the old version of CT scan. Basically, a CT scan measures the number and size of tumors. PET scan uses sugar uptake to show activity of the tumor as in necrotic (dead) or alive (active). When contemplating stopping treatment, they use PET scans. For brain and bone tumors, they prefer an MRI.
                Hope this simple explaination is helpful.
                Melanie
                • October 6, 2020 at 9:52 am
                tkoss
                Participant
                  BTW MRI good.

                  so what is the thinking, if you don’t show a tumor with CT(CAT)? Then you don’t have any brain mets so no need to test?

                  there is a plan for my having another CT before ending treatment but no MRI.
                  Frankly i am a hell of a lot more concerned about a brain met(aka tumor) than an inflamed lymph node.

                  • October 6, 2020 at 3:54 pm
                  Daisy2018
                  Participant
                    I would think the doctors response for MRI would be you don’t have any Mets in your brain let’s do CAT/Pet unless you have some symptoms like headaches vision changes.
                    I m stage 3c and plan to start immunotherapy treatment. I had PET. My oncologist asked me if I have any headache or bones pain. He would offer MRI I think if had concerns. I would think.
                    I look at Positive lymph nodes as still metastatic disease rather than inflammation. I do understand what you mean though when we compare brain Mets and Positive lymph nodes. Brain tumors sounds terrifying.
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