6 month Post CK Checkup

[TXAN]

I am 55 yrs old male from Houston, TX. I had a CK procedure at Stanford (Dr. Chang / Dr. Soltys) in 8/2010 for 1.9 cm AN in my right ear. I am due for an MRI and Audiogram for 6 month checkup. According to Dr. Chang and Dr. Soltys, I have an option either having the MRI & Audiogram done in Houston and mail the results to Stanford or flying to Stanford and do it there. I am weighing the option and would like to know if it is necessary for me to fly to Stanford for the checkup?

My post treatment symptoms are very much the same as pre-treatment which is 75% hearing loss, very minor balance issue and tinnitus.

Thank you,
TXAN

[JLR]

I'm guessing your CK team whats to compare MRI's.  I am due for a follow up MRI in February and my doctor wants me to have the MRI at the radiology facility I first used, since the first one was a baseline, and he wants to compare even though I was willing to travel to the CK facility. Your report can be faxed and the disc can be fed ex'd.  Best wishes..JLR

[Mark241]

Good Morning TXAN, I havnt' had a CK procedure, but I consider myself a veteran of the "Tube", 13 MRIs' and 5 CTs'. I live in NM, but travel to Phoenix for my NF2 issues. A majority of my imaging is done here in NM, and send my films out.  As long as the MRI has the the magnetic strength that your Docs' want, I dont' see a need to travel just for the MRI, of course if you wanted to consult with your medical team, face to face, then I would go. Hope it helps, and I hope the CK shows success.

[sgerrard]

I've never gone back to Stanford for follow up. It works to have it done locally and send it off. They prefer if you visit, because it makes their data and studies more consistent, but it is not necessary for your own health, unless something develops.

Best wishes,

Steve

[TXAN]

Thank you very much for all the feedbacks.

TXAN

[Tumbleweed]

I agree with what Steve said, with one caveat: the equipment at Stanford might (or might not) be better than what is available in Houston and might therefore reveal more. Stanford's Sherman Avenue facility (off-campus) in particular has the latest-greatest technology and provides superior imaging. The radiologists could see details in my films taken at Stanford that were difficult to see in my films taken previously in my home state; the enhanced views led to the discovery of a second brain tumor that was previously overlooked. Also, the audiology lab at Stanford is outstanding; the equipment and the audio booths are far superior to what I had access to at a major medical facility in my state.

All that said, it's very expensive to travel and Houston's facilities probably provide outstanding-quality imaging. Although I've made it a point to travel to Stanford for all my followup tests to date, I am now seriously considering having them done locally from here on out.

Best wishes,
TW

[ppearl214]

Terrific feedback folks and thank you! Some of you may know that I am doing a guest-speaker spot at an upcoming radiation conference in Feb and this topic is key to my talk..... post-radiation follow up and how/where it should be done... and to help make sure that the radio teams, even if not local, stay in the loop in post-radio care for their patients.  BTW, Stanford will be at the conference!   I had my choice of mulitple CK locations during my decision making process..... I was fortunate that Boston (locally for me) offered CK, thus, I chose the route to stay local (since I couldn't afford all the travels that could add up for follow up care), but.... had it not been available locally, I would have traveled, even for major follow up (ie: yearly check ups, etc), with guidance for local follow up should an immediate/emergent need arise.

Just my 2 cents.... but truly appreciate what you all are noting. Taking notes to help with my presentation.

Phyl

[crivers]

TXAN,

I had treatment with Drs. Chang and Soltys in April 2010. I am currently living in Perth Australia. I have my scans done here and then I send them across. I communicate with Dr. Chang via email and he and I have agreed that we'll continue doing this long distance unless he sees a real need for me to come across. I am quite happy with the relationship - when I need something locally, Dr. Chang and his staff liaises with my local GP here in Perth.

For now it is working - good luck to you.

Cayce