post operative 6 month check ups

Hi oldgit 

Has the NHS not planning on scanning you ? I would email your oncologist or surgeons secretary and ask the protocol . My mum is a stage 4 patient and has had over 40 scans in the past 13 years . It would start at every three months , then six and if all was good she even made it up to yearly and was at one point discharged .

Each hospital could potential have variations in scanning but I would most definitely ask first .

The Nice guidelines should cover this type of surgery .

Take care ,

Court 

Also the blood test should include your tumour markers but they are not always reliable . Scans definitely give the necessary information. 
Take care ,

Court 

Hi Oldgit

I too am struggling to determine what is important to have and what is not. I had surgery (Anterior Resection of Colon) January 2022 followed by chemotherapy. I had a CT scan June 22 (6 months post op) which showed a module on my Lung so needed another 3 months later which showed no change so I was discharged by the oncologist. I believe CT scans are 12 monthly from now on.

My Oncologist also said my ANNUAL Colonoscopy would be a year after surgery, i.e. January 2023. I have tried multiple times to contact the Endoscopy unit but no one answers. Last week I found out I'm on the waiting list but there is a 6 to 12 month wait so it may not happen this year at all! It has made me very anxious and I feel my mental health is suffering. My only option is to have one done privately which is a cost I could do without. Is anyone else experiencing such delays or gone down the private route?

Hope you get the answers you need Oldgit. 

Jane

I had my bowel resection Op. in May '18 & 6 mthly scans have happened automatically thereafter. (I am awaiting results of scan I had two weeks ago.) Prior to each CT, I am asked to get a blood test done at my local GP. It is my understanding from my own hospital, that scans & blood tests are arranged every 6mths. for the first three years following diagnosis - & dependent on results, are thereafter annually. Similarly, the first Colonoscopy following surgery, is usually after one year, & if that is clear - then 3 yearly. I think that after five years clear, you are not called for further tests.

All of this has been automatic - & has been officiated by my team of Colorectal Specialist nurses - that usually take over, once you no longer need chemo or further surgery. I have never had to phone anyone, to ask whether or not I was due this or that test.

I wonder perhaps if you have such a team working on your behalf? & if so, I would advise you to phone them (at the hospital where your Op. was performed.) You should not need to be phoning the Endoscopy Dept.yourself. (Well - that is my understanding.)

Wishing you both the best

Marianne

Hi JC34 

Are your tumour markers being monitored ?

Your GP could look into this aspect .

Court 

www.nice.org.uk/.../Recommendations-for-research

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng151/evidence/e1-followup-to-detect-recurrence-after-treatment-for-nonmetastatic-colorectal-cancer-pdf-253058083676

Full nice document that gives recommendations for managing colorectal patients . It should cover scanning protocols .

Court 

Hi Court.

Chemo brain has opened 70 page doc but can't find simple summary of what scans/checks are agreed as best practice. Are you able to help navigate, please?