Has anyone stopped chemo after a recurrence and never had another recurrence?

[abrite]

I was diagnosed 3C Sept. 2005. Finished primary chemo Oct. 2006. Recurrence July 2007. Have been on chemo since July 2007. My CA 125 has been 12-13 for the last 4 months and my last 2 CT scans have shown no evidence of cancer. My gynonc is talking about taking me off of chemo. Do any of you know of anyone who has gone off chemo after a recurrence and never had another recurrence? Any thoughs on this would be appreciated. I know I should be happy but am really just nervous. Thanks so much!

[westajul]

Hi,
Sometimes an insurance company requires a ct scan first before they will authorize a pet scan. Try an appeal after the ct scan. I just had my 11th chemo and after my 12th my onc. is going to stop the chemo. My last ct scan showed no more liver tumors and my lymph node was almost normal...so I am hoping I stay cancer free longer than last time. It was 14 mos before my reccurrence and I am hoping for many years. Good Luck. Julie

[JC145]

Sometimes, the insurance company authorization dept. ... usually an MD making a final decision, will speak with your Onc and your Onc. can try and convince them why you need a PET scan.  I know Aetna (which uses NIA for authorizations will do this).

Lately, my doctor has been adding a specific spot / area  along with the diagnosis for my PET scans.  Is there a specific area your Onc can add .. a spot that "was" there and hopefully is now gone.  

You may want to start a new post re: Ins. won't authorization Pet Scan .. Help.

Many women on this forum have gone through this problem, and you may get better suggestions.

God Bless .. Judy

[abrite]

Well, 2 months have passed since I started this post. My CA 125 is 18. As mentioned at the start of this thread, my Doctor is considering stopping this chemo regime as the CA 125 is normal and the past 2 CT scans have  not shown any evidence of cancer. He ordered a PET/CT for March to make sure there is no undetected cancer. The insurance company has denied the PET scan but has authorized the CT scan. I am very frustrated.....any suggestions?

[JC145]

I would ask for a PET/CT scan .. shows 2 different views and it much better.  If you get the PET/CT, please remember to go very lightly on the carbs/sugar the day before .. especially from dinner on .. carbs/sugar can skew the scan.  I finsihed my first chemo 11/06 and after 18 months on tamoxifen, am heading back into chemo since the scan showed progression of disease.  I will be on carbo/taxotere and hope it knocks it back again.  Good luck ... Judy

[abrite]

Thank-you both for your encouraging words. I saw my dr. yesterday and he is going to keep me on the chemo for 2 more months, repeat the CT scan and if all remains clear, stop the chemo. I may ask for a PET scan to be added just to be sure there is not any small disease hiding somewhere! My best to both of you!

[marie3B]

I have heard of some getting a longer remission after the recurrence treatment than after the first treatment.  Good luck to you.  No evidence of disase always sounds good to me.  Marie

[bohan54]

I am happy for you but would like you be nervous!  Have no other info though, other than I think I would follow the doc's advice.  Take a well deserved break!