When Should I Get Rescanned After Cancer Treatment?

Hi Korina. I would ask your oncologist. The “standard of care” in the US if you have a mastectomy is self breast exams and report if you do not feel well. They feel that the radiation is more harmful than your risk of it coming back. But every case is different so I would see what your oncologist says. Mine does bloodwork every 6 months- not perfect but it is something.

I just started chemo a week ago. My oncologist originally told me I would have treatment one week then a 2 week break and another treatment during the 3rd week. Last Thursday the nurse I was scheduled for another chemo session Wednesday this week. I’m not able to keep anything- including water-in my stomachs. I don’t believe I can handle any more chemo. I can’t get through to my doctor to talk with her about this, or if it’s just giving me more time. I’d rather not go on if I’ll feel this terrible for a longer time.

Hey Susan I have to start chemo next week...I'm praying for us all.. This be the hardest part..

I am starting chemo July 22.not loolooking forward to any side effects. I drive for a living I'm hoping for the best

God help us both. I’ll be adding you to my prayer list. Started losing my hair this past week-my family thinks this is hysterical. My daughter-law is coping with stage 4 cervical cancer, and only 38 years old. She’s the strongest person personally know going through all of this and continuing to work full time. They have no insurance-I told them to get all of the medical help she can. If you’re not able to eventually pay for services-bankruptcy is the best option. Being a retired lawyer I’ll handle the matter for her in court.

Yes it's happening to younger women now..it's sad..I'm 32 ..no family history...

Oh, God bless you. I feel like I’m whining when I complain. Unfortunately I had a surgeon who caused more problems than help but I’ll never see her again. My husband said she was great-I hate her now. I’m hoping the psychiatrist I’m seeing can help me cope with this-I don’t know if I can get past it alone. My wedding anniversary is July. Everything was fine for 52 years. I’ll pray for God to give you at least 52 years of happiness.

What happened to cause you to lose faith in your surgeon? I also have been blessed with 52 years of marriage. Diagnosed in June. Starting treatment soon, I hope. But reading about the necessity of all the tests helps the waiting game. I'm being advised and supported by women my daughter's age who have had to suffer through this. My admiration for them is boundless.

Horrible screaming matches with husband because she only communicstates through him. Tomorrow I’m scheduled for chemo-she told him, me. She caused 4 fluid fluid filled lumps on my incision) and just told me not to worry about then). I’m considering looking for help for 2nd opinion) Really too much to go on.

The timing for follow-up scans after cancer treatment varies based on many factors including the specific type and stage of cancer, treatment response, and individual risk factors. This is definitely a question worth discussing with your oncology team, as they know your specific situation best and can create a personalized surveillance schedule that's right for you. Many others in this community have navigated similar questions about post-treatment monitoring, so hopefully you'll hear from some fellow members who can share their experiences with scan schedules.