Scans, tumor markers and circulating tumor cells

Is it an area of the country, or the philosophy of the oncologist?  Mine draws tumor markers four times a year, and has said she'll do a PET scan yearly for five years.  I'm in Southern California.

Hi there,

I am back after a long time. Busy with work and family doing great. I go to Mayo Clinic Rochester and after 2 yrs of completion of my treatment they only do blood works, nothing else unless i have some issues. I had severe head ache and they did CT scan about a year ago and i suspected rib bone enlargement on my chest area and had a bone scan ordered by my primary physician. Both came normal. God willing, hope i don't have to ask anything for a long time.

 My husband is starting a hard cider, mead and fruit wine business (made without chemical) in Mpls, MN. So i have been very busy helping him for past six  months. Enjoy this beautiful fall.

Love you all.

LOVUJJA

Tampa, FL - tumor markers (CA27/29, CEA) done at each follow-up since diagnosis, had a pre-chemo PET, post-chemo PET, one a year later.  MO will order either future PET or MRI depending on symptoms - no problem.  My MO is in the largest independent oncology practice in the US.

Edited to add - sorry, just realized this is a stage III thread but thought the info is applicable for the subject title if people are looking for locations.

spookiesmom - yes FCS, I also have Humana, but it is through Tricare so I was able to stay.  I know my doc was sure that Humana would relent at the last minute, but I guess they didn't.

spookiesmom - glad it worked out for you - good that your new MO had the FCS experience so their treatment model is familiar.

Lolis, my docs do a full blood panel, which includes blood calcium level, cholesterol and liver function tests. A good doc can tell a fair amount from that. I also think it is prudent in any event, considering the possible SEs of treatment.

They also test three cancer markers on me: CA15-3, CA125 and CEA. The tumor markers are controversial and notoriously unreliable, which is why a lot of docs don't use them. They are also fairly expensive tests.

Lolis, what do you mean by "routine" checks? You are still being seen by your MO every like 6 months right? I'm 6 years out and finally only seeing MO once a year now. She will do tumor markers and full panel plus cholesterol, Vit D. I'm thinking about removing ovaries even though going through menopause. If it is covered by insurance it may be an option.

No routine checks in terms of CAT scan or tumor markers. 

I am seeing her in June and I am not scheduled for any blood work. She will see me every 6 months but no blood work. I am going to ask my GP to order a comprehensive blood work as I am forever tired. 

My BS mentioned mammogram and MRI on the other breast regularly. 

I had heterogeneous breasts and wondering if the mammo will pick up anything. I have this small pea lump on the good side that hurts to touch, wondering what it could be.