1 month all clear!

[surfhb]

I know its not that long of time to be all clear but I got my first scans back and everything looks good. Can't wait to post yearly in this section. BEPx3 sucked and this is now more of a mental battle than anything else.

[JeffX]

Congrats on the good news!

[Dude 77]

I know its not that long of time to be all clear but I got my first scans back and everything looks good. Can't wait to post yearly in this section. BEPx3 sucked and this is now more of a mental battle than anything else.

hello mate,dont worry,it will all going perfect

[Davepet]

I know its not that long of time to be all clear but I got my first scans back and everything looks good. Can't wait to post yearly in this section. BEPx3 sucked and this is now more of a mental battle than anything else.

The first month clear is the big one. Each month after this should be less intense & more likely to be clear.

Keep it up,
Dave

[Jimmerz]

Congrats Surf!!!

[surfhb]

What is the follow up procedure now that I am in the clear. My oncologist seems to alter what this should be each time I talk with him. It seems like it is up to me in order to make sure I am getting this done correctly.

[Davepet]

What is the follow up procedure now that I am in the clear. My oncologist seems to alter what this should be each time I talk with him. It seems like it is up to me in order to make sure I am getting this done correctly.

Well, afraid you are not truly "in the clear" just yet, but you passed a big milestone on the journey. Most recurrences happen within the first year, a few wait two years, but 5 years is pretty much the gold standard for "cured". As far as your follow up, it's not really clear to me from the NCCN guidelines, but I *think* you should expect at least 2-3 month interval for chest x-ray & blood markers & a 6 month interval for CT scans in the first year. The frequency decreases over the next few years until year 5.

Dave

[surfhb]

Well, afraid you are not truly "in the clear" just yet, but you passed a big milestone on the journey. Most recurrences happen within the first year, a few wait two years, but 5 years is pretty much the gold standard for "cured". As far as your follow up, it's not really clear to me from the NCCN guidelines, but I *think* you should expect at least 2-3 month interval for chest x-ray & blood markers & a 6 month interval for CT scans in the first year. The frequency decreases over the next few years until year 5.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I tried finding some literature online but it was hard to find exactly what I needed. Yea my doctor told me that recurrences happen within the first year but it is not very likely. I am hoping statistics finally start going my way. They certainly didn't with TC and when I got many get well cards in the mail I didnt win any of the scratch of tickets alot of my friends included.

[surfhb]

Another question Dave. What are the percentages of recurrence after BEPx3? Is this the 90% curable everyone talks about? I'm assuming the recurrence rate is 10%? Is it less chance of recurrence if you were staged lower but still had BEPx3? I think I can put this stuff in the past and move on with life if I knew what the stats said. It's hard to find this on the web. The good news is that I made it 4 days without smoking (not talking cigs)! Whats the percentage that you get it a second time? It seems like it happens to many members on this forum.