roll call: scans and tumor markers

Just wondering how often everyone gets scans and tumor markers done?

Thanks, Eric

I don't know about tumor markers because I haven't seen any in any of the test results. Scan: only ultra-sound evey 3 months or so. Linda did have a MUGA before she started herceptine.
Al

I am stage IV mets to bones.
I get MRI's to spine and hip, PET scans, and Echocardiograms every 3 months. Markers (CA 15-3, CEA) every month.

Eric,

My oncologist said that the tumor markers for BC were too unreliable and they caused undue stress. Never had them done.

janelle

I am metastatic, am in treatment, and have scans every 3 mos. Tumor markers every 4 wks, which are pretty accurate for me.

Thanks to all. It looks like scans every 3 months and markers every month seems to be the norm.
Best, Eric

I am stage 2a, almost 3 years out and do pet scans every 6, cat and bone every 3 and tumor markers every 6 weeks, mamos every 6!!

I get them every few months. However, my understanding is that by the time tumor markers are elevated, the cancer is more advanced. I have had symptoms suggestive of bone mets, spine mets, and brain mets and scans could possibly interpreted as such. However, the reports are vague--i.e. there is no mention of anything re. shoulder on bone scan which has been causing severe daily pain, worse at night. I also have problem with lumbar spine. However, after I got off table from that scan, the tech (who should not have done this pointed to the image of the involved shoulder and spine) and stated, "you have some unusual hot spots. The report came back and said that what was on the spine was "stable" and there was NO mention of the shoulder. About 4 or 5 months later I again ask my onc and ask about another bone scan. He tells me he is not going to do one until it has been a year. A month or so later my 2nd opinion onc orders one. This time it states that the increaed uptake in the shoulder is "stable." HUH???? How can something not mentioned be "stable." And if I had been experiencing severe pain there and something showed up why was there absolutely no mention of it on the scan?
There is something VERY wrong with this picture. I am getting care through a supposed non-profit HMO. I recently received an email from a gal who has similar reports and questions. She doesn't have insurance.
I tried to get a 2nd opinion privately by a dr. at a major research facility. He bullied me/us--and basically told us he wouldn't give us a 2nd opinion until I had been dx'd by someone through our HMO.
This is so wrong. It is outrageous!
And another thing I have found very interesting...I have recently been writing/discussing some of this on another board. I have not been able to get to this board with the above email address. Everytime I come here I am immediately knocked off-line. However, if I use a different name, I have no problem. This is too weird--and almost too unbelievable.
We are exploring other insurance options but still, what has happened to me, is intolerable and nobody should have to go through this. There has been more--but don't want to get into details or further 'bore' anyone.