Question on monthly blood tests

[merc]

Hello,

As some of you know, I chose to have monthly tests to check my markers. My oncologist told me off, and said that I shouldn't try to be a doctor and should only have one test every three months.

I remember reading two articles online (PUBMED, I think) which suggested that monthly tests were better. However, now those articles are never to be found.

Do you have the name and the address of some specialised centre/hospitals which you *know* do 1 CT scan every 2/3 months, and 1 blood test every month for surveillance? I am not well right now, and searching is becoming a little painful...

Thanks everybody,

Merc.

[Scott]

Scroll to the bottom of this TCRC page for recommended surveillance schedules.

Probably the best source, though, is this document, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Testicular Cancer. See section TEST-14.

[merc]

Gosh that was fast...

Thank you SO MUCH for your response!

You are truly invaluable.

Merc.

[ramfan13]

Scott

Hey Scott. On a similar topic, do you have any idea what surveillance should be for Sertoli. That is not on the schedule you posted nor can I find it anywhere. It was supposedly benign, but I know one guy whose tumor was supposedly benign and it came back 7 months later and spread fast vascularly. I am getting monthly blood tests and Pet/CT scans every 3 months. My AFP is still elevated at 15, but no Dr. sees this as a problems.
Does this schedule seem ok. Should I be getting chest x rays also or will the PET pick up anything on the lungs. I am a bit paranoid about this Sertoli since I do not have chemo as a backup. thanks if you have any ideas.