Hi @allisonsnow
You wrote about one oncologist ordering a PET scan every 3 months and now you have an oncologist who doesn't monitor with PET scans. And you asked, "Who's right?"

Naturally, it is a great and valid question to ask your current oncologist why s/he doesn't order quarterly PET scans. I encourage you to ask.

Not knowing all the details of your case and I'm not a medical professional, I can only tell you that there are many factors that go into deciding when to do imaging studies and when not to. Sometimes, more is not necessarily better. Scans can be trying and may even cause side effects themselves. When cancer is very slow progressing or in remission, it may not be necessary to be monitored as frequently.

Perhaps you are having other tests to replace the PET scans. What tests do you now have with your 3-month visits?

I have complete blood work and a CT. That is until this last visit when I was only seeing my pulminalogist and I ASKED what the blood work was checking for. They didn't schedule a blood work-up. I know my cancer does not have markers and the blood work was necessary while on chemo but I will have to check with oncologist on who is ordering and why? I just like to know what they are looking at, I know there is a lot that needs to be monitored at this time but it is never discussed during my meeting with Dr. unless I bring it up.
One of the great things about most Mayo Dr.s' is that they will take as much time as you need for questions. I had growth during chemo so we stopped that in Jan. and had more growth in April, not much but enough to be considered growth … more than the 10% rule my Dr. goes by...he says anything less than 10% is considered stable. That's what he thinks LOL to me growth is growth!! and all those littles add up to a lot ! If I may add a comment for @ventibug anxiety can suck the joy out of living if you let it. It sounds like you have a strong faith so all I can offer you is trust and be thankful. Trust that God will give voice to the questions you have and be thankful everyday. People would look at me as though I was crazy when I said Cancer was something I could be thankful for in that it has made me a better person. More understanding, more giving more generous of my time and so much more. Thankful for the 100% joy I take in 5 grandsons 2 of whom were born after the cancer. I just turned 60 which in itself is a gift, I was given weeks to months to live when diagnosed that was 9 years ago.
Of course I still have the pre-visit anxiety but not as drawn out as it used to be. I don't believe that will ever go away. Holidays bring so much Joy and sadness accept that as your new normal, don't try so hard to not be anxious or sad or angry It is all part of the journey.
He knows the plans he has for me. If any of this helps I am glad.
allison

Yes, it helps. Thank you, Allison.