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CT scan - how soon following treatment?

Dartanyan
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I have stage 3 colon cancer (T3N1cM0) and had a right hemicolectomy in October 2022 which removed a single large cancer tumour with good margins and no spread to lymph nodes, but a few risk factors including EMVI and presence of cancer cells in fatty deposit outside colon wall. Caner cell differentiation was measure as good. The follow up was adjuvant chemo (CAPOX) for 4 cycles (December 2022 to end of February 2023). A review with the oncology unit will be around 6 weeks after treatment (mid-April) which will include blood tests (CEA) and a review meeting. When should I expect to get a CT scan? I had a CT scan of abdomen and chest just before my operation in October.  I was initially told there would be a CT scan mid treatment and this didn't happen and I haven't yet been given a date for a scan.

  • Dear  

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the online community, I hope you find it supportive.  My name is Gillian and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line

    I hope you  are recovering well from your CAPOX chemotherapy. I understand waiting for test and investigations can make you feel anxious.

    Timing of CT scans and follow ups can vary from hospital to hospital, it is always best to check with your healthcare team when they are planning your next CT scan. As you have had adjuvant chemotherapy CT scans are not always carried out until after your chemotherapy is completed. The NICE guidelines suggest a follow up for 3 years post-surgery. This should include serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. You should also be offered a colonoscopy as part of your routine follow up.

    I hope you find this helpful, and if you’d like to chat over this or anything else we’d be happy to hear from you on the number below. Alternatively, you’re welcome to contact us through our online chat too.

     

    Best wishes

    Gillian, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref CF/GG 

     

     

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