Recurrence without any symptoms

My dad had surveillance with imaging but it didn't pick up that it had returned. He had symptoms that were initially thought to be sciatica but turned out to be a tumour in his spinal cord however his symptoms began in Feb 25, he had a clear CT in March 25 and it was only at the end of April did an MRI pick it up. Not exactly what you asked for, just even with imaging surveillance there's no guarantee things will be picked up. I'm sorry for your loss. 

I am so sorry for your loss. I too lost my husband very quickly after metastatic disease was detected. Three years after having curative treatment and without imaging included in his surveillance. 

At the time, I felt his Consultant was negligent. But on reflection it was perhaps better for us to live our lives not knowing as earlier detection would not have changed the outcome. And it was a blessing he only suffered with symptoms for 3 weeks.

Clinicians are divided as to whether or not surveillance with imaging is beneficial or not in terms of prolonging survival or impact on mental health. There is an ongoing clinical trial to investigate this.

In your husband’s case I find it unusual that he was declared cancer free such a short time after receiving curative treatment. It is more usual to assume micro metastatic disease is present up to 5 years or more.

I am under surveillance with imaging. My Consulatnt’s view is that he is only doing it because he is told he has to. He says all he sees before him is a lady who looks very well. He knows the impact scanxiety he has on myself and family. I get the impression that he would prefer me to attend clinic when symptoms do present.

I do have residual cancer and at the moment symptom free. I am hoping that when I do get symptoms I will not suffer for long.

i hope my experience helps you come to terms with your loss. I did experience PTSD because my husband was taken so quickly but as I say on reflection, years later, not having imaging did have some quality of life benefits.

Written with my sincere condolences x 

I completely understand the sense of contradicting feelings, to know would have been dreadful but a sudden death when they are supposedly healthy is so surreal.

I hope that your circumstances continue for as long as possible and I thank you for your reply.