[Mary Jo]

Hi Debra......

Thanks for sharing your feelings/fears with us who care about what you think AND never think your questions would be thought of as "frivvy!" There is no such thing as "frivvy" around here.

I hear ya on the "NED" talk and all that goes with that. Sadly, there is no crystal ball and none of us truly every knows if cancer is lurking "in their somewhere" unless of course a scan or test of some kind picks it up.

I am of the other extreme and do not want regular scans. I know there are some reading that statement that will say "she's nuts....OR....she's hiding her head in the sand" of which I'd have to reply, I'm neither (well, maybe a little nuts). It isn't about "hiding my head in the sand or being in denial" but for me it's about living my life, the quality of my life and what I can or am willing to endure.

My life would be greatly diminished if I subjected myself to regular scanning. It's just way to stressful for me. Now, don't misunderstand me, I have had scans (2 PET/CT's/1 abdominal CT/1 bone scan and a transvaginal ultra sound) and believe in them (for me personally) when I feel the need...like when I feel symptoms warrant it. However, more than that would make me nuttier than I already am I just can't live in that "mode" ~ the always looking for and waiting for cancer mode!!! I just can't.

My onc. also is not a believer of routine scans because of "chasing" what isn't cancer and the emotional havoc that can cause. He also "buys into" the NCCN guideline BUT that being said he is of the mindset that if the patient wants them he will order them. The patient, in his eyes, is what determines what tests are ordered as he believes that all patients require different "things" for their particular quality of life to be good.

I know many reading this are thinking that 'IF' my cancer returns I will regret my decision in not wanting regular scans but I honestly don't believe I will. What "comes next" I will handle when I get their. "IF" I get their and I'm not planning on it!!

I know it sounds as if I have an "I don't care" attitude or an attitude that says "if I say it 'aint so, it 'aint" but I truly do not have that kind of attitude. I am very diligent in how I care for my body and do all the things (or I should say TRY to do) all the things to stay healthy AND happy.

So Debra....I know I was of no help to you but hope that my opinion is just another of many opinions that will be given here for you to understand that you are not alone in your cancer fears. We all have them AND we all have different ways of living with those fears. This is just my way. It's what works for me.

Blessings of Peace I send to you......

Mary Jo