What and when next?

The usual post treatment scans are an MRI or a PET/CT at 12-16 weeks 

You might get a scope after 8 weeks but probably not before as your throat is sore 

After that you get seen every three months for the first two years and usually get a scope. ……. Generally. 
How are you? 

Hi. I had MRI & PET CT at 11 weeks post treatment then have been seen every 3/4 months by ENT consultant ( manual examination of neck plus the scope) & similar schedule with oncology consultant.  Oncology appointments always come through on time but I have had to contact head & neck nurse each time to prompt an ENT appointment. Notoriously difficult to get ENT follow ups in my hospital trust. Due to inefficient system plus long waiting list apparently. Best to always be proactive re your follow ups. 

Hi

I think it varies from hospital to hospital. I'm 16 months post treatment. I was seen every month for 6 months, then every 2 months until 14 months. I'm now waiting for a 3 month appointment in March. I've only ever had medical reviews with the Oncologist, not ENT.

I've only had 1 follow up MRI scan so far, I think that was at 12 weeks. I have the tube up my nose/down my throat at every other appointment.

They used to weigh me at every appointment up 8 months post treatment. They don't do that anymore. I can't remember having had any follow up blood tests. I might have, but none in the last year.

My treatment is in Sheffield

Hope that's of some help!

Hi Gene. I had my pet Ct scan at week 17 post treatments. I saw oncologist 3 times before scan then again for results. I now see him once a year and have one more appointment with him. Ent started after results i as handed back to local hospital,from cancer centre at Leeds. To start  with i was  seen every 6 weeks ( some leeway for my extended holidays abroad was given) At 6 month o was then seen every 8  weeks often I had to chase appointments this was pre covid as well so now maybe even longer between appointments. I am scoped by ent every time. Year 2-3 every 3 months and years 4-5 every 6 months. 
Each trust varies and current thinking is at some point head and neck cancer patients will be seen less frequently has the th7 king us we woukd notice changes before the scope but that’s for the future. In meantime concentrate in recovery. Remember the longer the scan is left the less chance of hot spots remaining. 
I also have a yearly blood test to check thyroid function that’s important that we all have that,so everyone remember to ask about that.
hope this helps 

Hazel x

I am battling through thanks Dani - mucus is a killer and mouth so sore.... managed without tube/rig but down to just liquids for now. 

Just keep going. Make sure you keep your mouth as clean as you can. It will heal more quickly. Liquids are fine...anything to get the calories in xx