[Mary Jo]

Hello,

Well that's kind of a tough one. No easy answer for sure. Especially because we are all so individual in what we need....what we want...and what gives us some sort of peace through this journey.

My doc is also "pretty cool" and bases his practice on that thinking - "individuality" - what is "right" for one woman isn't necessarily "right" for another one. He also seems so have that "sense" when he knows that a "test" is what we need to get through whatever ache or pain is causing us concern.

That being said.......Being a 3 year survivor, I see my onc. every 6 months. Every 6 months he orders a basic blood panel with tests for liver enzymes and function. He does a physical exam - talks to me and I am on my way. That's all I need and all I want. I've been through 2 PET/CT's, 2 abdominal CT's and a bone scan in the past 3 years and the stress of those was WAYYYYYY too much for me. Also, I've been through a PET/CT where a false positive was found and after months of follow up have come to the conclusion that this is why most oncs. don't do routine testing. It is stressful - false postives occur and occur often, hence, the need for more tests to make sure nothing is truly brewing.

So, for me personally, the old saying "symptoms warrant testing" is what I live by. If I have a concern my onc. takes me seriously and follows through with a test and if not we assume I am fine and life goes on.

As I said before though, that's me....that's what I need for a good quality of life.......what's right for you may be entirely different.

Love to you......

Mary Jo