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Diane,
I quizzed my onc closely about not doing scans (I was stage III at initial dx). As he explained it to me, studies have shown that routine scanning does not reveal new cancer (or a metastasis) earlier than scanning based only on symptoms in the patient. It's hard to believe, but apparently you will have symptoms around the same time that anything would be apparent on a scan for the most part. PETs may be the exception, but they are expensive and expose you to radiation as well.
That having been said, my onc scans me at the drop of a hat! Dizziness for two weeks with visible fluid behind one ear? Do a brain MRI. Achy ribs for a few months after radiation? Two CTs and a bone scan. Numbness in the back? Thoracic MRI.
I think I'm beginning to glow.
I know that it is uncomfortable to not be scanned regularly, but that practice seems to be based on studies and is the norm for the most part. Just be sure to report EVERYTHING to your doctor. It's your job to report symptoms and his or hers to decide if they mean anything.
Good luck!
Hope M.
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