Hi
My husband is almost two years post curative intent treatment /surgery for stage 2 OC .He isn’t on a trial and was told monitoring scans would only be offered if new symptoms occurred .
However he’s had two CT scans since his treatment ended due to acid reflux and eating issues .We have attended an appointment at the hospital today because the most recent scan on New Years Eve (to assess if he needed a dilation) has flagged up the slight growth of a tiny nodule on his kidney. This was was noticed way back over two years ago on his first pre treatment scan and disregarded as insignificant ( A lung nodule flagged up at the same time too but that mysteriously disappeared and no one has been able to explain why ? ) …So the urology dept is now involved and he will be offered a CT scan every six months to monitor any growth .(if any)
No one seems overly concerned at this stage , the consultant has suggested it may stem back to an accident 40 years ago when my husband sustained a ‘nick ‘ to his kidney and it’s been ‘aggravated’ by the chemo. Nevertheless the urologist has deemed it significant enough to warrant monitoring so we will trust his judgment , hope for the best and ‘ go with the flow ‘ for now .
What I can’t understand though is why some Upper GI departments can’t offer their OC patients post treatment scans unless new symptoms present ..but other departments can ? ( I understand this may not be the case regionally ) ..It just doesn’t seem right especially when we were told by my husband’s consultant two years ago that OC is a tricky and unpredictable cancer due to the close proximity to other internal organs , and the after care package would be extensive , so I would’ve expected regular post treatment monitoring scans to be offered as an essential part of that after care package .I mean how can you see what’s going on inside a body unless you have a proper look? ..Sometimes symptoms don’t show until later stages either !
I have asked the question in the past and I get the impression most of the staff don’t agree with it ..So is it just lack of funding ?
Fortunately the scans have shown everything is looking good regarding the OC surgical site and he doesn’t need a dilation ( He just needs to chew his food more ! ) but we’re now back on the hospital treadmill with the kidney nodule ( whatever it is ? ) .and I wouldn’t even dream of complaining as we are so grateful for everything his medical team have done for him and for their commitment and thoroughness throughout this whole rollercoaster of an experience . They saved his life !!
Making the most of everyday and counting our blessings …for now .
J x
