Surg vs. radiat follow-up

[Jeepers]

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for this wonderful forum. I will admit that when I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago, I found the ANA site, along with the "archives" and while I gained some good information, I actually stopped reading because I felt most of what was posted were very negative outcomes. Scared the bejesus out of me. This forum is SO much more educational, upbeat and positive. So thank you all ... your accounts and support are absolutely wonderful.   

Now on to my question ... Would you guys agree that radiation requires much more follow up than surgery? I am not questioning effectiveness or right/wrong choices in any way ... just responding to my initial perception that since the effects of radiation take a while to display, there seems to be more follow up "stress" (and I say stress because that is how *I* might perceive it ... and fully respect the choices that any patient makes ... e.g., what works for one doesn't necessary work for another when it comes to the emotional part of the decision).

Thanks for your input ... 

[sgerrard]

Would you guys agree that radiation requires much more follow up than surgery?

I would say no. I had follow up MRIs at 6 months and 18 months. The next one will be at 3 years. Many surgery patients have the same sort of follow up pattern. However waiting for the first follow up at 6 months is a nail biter, since you often have swelling symptoms after radiation, and wonder if it really worked. It usually does, though.

Steve

[ppearl214]

Hey Jeepers and welcome.

Ok, I'm going to agree with Steve and say no.  Speaking for my own situation.... I had 6 mos MRI's/follow up appts for the first 1-1/2 yrs after my radio (CK) treatment.. then, have gone to yearly follow ups.  Now, for me, I keep in mind that regardless if microsurgical or radio-treatments... AN'ers will need to be monitored down the road to make sure there are no regrowths....so, I take my follow ups in stride, in the hopes that they continue to tell me that my radiated AN is a "done deal" and to make sure that I have no regrowth.

then, the question becomes... who (dr) does the follow ups, regardless if radio or surgical?  From a radio-standpoint, I've done follow ups with the neuro-onc so he can monitor my neuro-effects post-radio (ie: tinnitus, balance issues, etc).  I've seen some question here about microsurgical follow up (ie: if someone flies somewhere to have surgery done, then flies back home... who, back home, should do the follow ups?). Been lots of discussions about that.....

As for the forums... glad to have you back. We toss in water-downed drinks and bad humor from time to time... but glad to have you back and contributing!

Phyl

[mk]

Follow-ups are not only restricted to MRIs (which of course must take place much more often for radiation patients). Depending on the situation, follow ups with many specialists may needed, such as facial therapists, opthalmologists, headache specialists, vestibular therapists etc. etc., which from what I can tell are generally more frequent with surgery patients.


Marianna

[leapyrtwins]

I would say yes.  I didn't have radiation, but all docs are different and the way I understood it from Dr. Battista I would spend much more time with follow up post radiation than I would post op.  Other docs might have different protocols.

The more frequent follow ups were one of several reasons I opted for surgery.  I didn't want to make my AN journey a lifetime journey.

Jan