Last Chemo now what?
 

Hey ladies, this thursday is my last scheduled chemo! Although, I'm excited, I'm a little nervous. Although I hate chemo, I love that it is killing cancer cells. Just wondering what happens next? My doctor scheduled a PetScan just to make sure everything looks good. Is that normal? I was talking to some ladies in my support group and their doctor only ordered a bone scan after their last chemo. I'm kinda nervous why my doc ordered the PetScan. I have had rib pain throughout my whole chemo, maybe that is why. I did have a bonescan about 3 months ago as well. Just wondering, what is the normal protocal. Is it normal to have a Petscan after completetion of chemo?Thanks!

The only thing I have had was a mammo/ultrasound/MRI when I was first dx. I just finished chemo in Sept. and have been continuing with my Herceptin every 3 wks. My onc (along with others) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute do not recommend scans after treatment is finished. They look at it like you have had surgery and chemo and/or Radiation and they believe you are all set now. Of course, I am Early Stage, so I'm not sure how this applies with others. Every onc is different and requests are different for each situation.

Paige,

Different oncs do different tests, so I wouldn't read anything into the fact that your onc is doing a PET scan. Some oncs don't do any tests, while others will do any number of tests.

Ending chemo is a little scarey, like loosing one of your security blankets. But remember, one large step is behind you!

My best to you,

Yes, my onc ordered one after chemo...sort of like getting a clean bill of health...or to re-stage a patient. Best of Luck and congrats. Ceesun

My onc ran a PET/CT as a baseline before I started chemo...and then once I finished chemo ran another one. So I wouldn't worry about it. Myself I was relieved that they ran one especially when it came back clean which is what I expected.

So Thursday is your last chemo...BIG congratulations...you made it. Almost time to celebrate. :)

Chelee

Paige, I think it just depends on different onc's so would'nt read anything into this scan. Some Dr's do tumour marker's and scan's as follow up while other's feel this is only warrented with symptoms or pain. (as mine does)..it can be a difficult transition to go from the end of treatment to trying to get on with a new normal and hope the cancer is gone but you'll get there. I had no tests at all after chemo but refuse to hang around waiting for a recurrance and just live daily enjoying life and believing I've beaten it.
Many congrats to you on getting through!