Results !!

Hi Hazel, well done to your hubby on completing his treatment, he is on the road to recovery now. The follow up check he is having will be one of many, they will have a feel around his neck and probably, have a look with the an endoscope which they can see right down the back of his throat with. The usual time for a scan is between 12 and 16 weeks, they have to let everything heal, or they can get a false reading otherwise. .Don't worry these are all routine regular checks he will be having now. If you have any questions or worrys just ask on here, someone will always come back with an answer if they can. All the best to you both.

Regards Ray.

Hi Hazel. that's good news. How are you both bearing up?

Ray is spot on. He'll likely have a PET/CT ( some trusts rely on MRI) at 12 to 16 weeks which will tell his oncologist whether the treatment has removed the cancer and then he will be closely monitored for the first two years.

Generally we are discharged at five years, not cured but not needing further follow up. I'm just over three and a half years out and I'm now on six monthly checks. My surgeon tells me I'm cured but my oncologist says I'm in remission. I'm alive and well is what I say.

Hi Hazel  Well done in completing treatment. As the other have said we are checked regularly my pet Ct scan was at week 18 which I got the response complete metabolic response which is has food as it gets. I Was  checked every 6-8;weeks in first year then every 3 months years 2-3 year b4-5 every 6 months. 
They have a look in mouth then camera uo the nose we get used to it. 
Hazel xx

I think different medics and different hospitals use different terms Hazel. As far as I can see ‘complete metabolic response’, ‘no evidence of disease’ (NED - which is what was told), ‘cure’ and ‘in remission’ mean pretty much the same thing. But the main target from the hospitals’ point of view is that we should show no signs of the original disease after 5 years.

I’m sure someone will correct me if I’m wrong! 

Yes Mark  they are the same  it’s terminology that different consultants use. It’s only in films you get the response all clear. Yes after 5 years they like to kick us into the big world. Although my ent consultant s hsve already says any issues bypass g p go straight to their medical secretary s which is reassuring. Are you near Bridgewater ? Also PFJTHS  MikeOwe’re sailing g from Plymouth mid September overnight hotel on A38.  Wondered if you fancied a catch up over coffee beer ? 
Hazel x

Complete remission and no evidence of disease are the same and are used when all available tests show no cancer. 
We are considered “cured” when we have been in complete remission for 5  years. 

MarkEL said:

complete metabolic response’, ‘no evidence of disease’ (NED - which is what was told), ‘cure’ and ‘in remission’ mean pretty much the same

I'm about 27 miles from Bridgwater so could that for sure if the dates fit, I'm possibly doing a last minute trip to Zakynthos though so may be away myself, keep in touch x

Hi Mike we are at the hotel Tuesday 13 September would  be great to do a catch up. But if Zakinthos beckons that comes first. 
Keep in touch. 
Hazel xx

I've sent you a friend request so we can do this by message, I don't know quite how we've not been linked before!

I’ve accepted. Neither do I lol xx