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A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX
June 14, 2023
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Answer Summary

Members discussed how often they receive PET or CT scans for stage 4 lung cancer, with most reporting scans every 3 to 4 months when stable... Read more

Members discussed how often they receive PET or CT scans for stage 4 lung cancer, with most reporting scans every 3 to 4 months when stable and more frequently (every 2 months) if tumors show progression. Several members shared frustration with insurance companies denying medically recommended PET scans, with one member describing a three-month battle with Cigna that revealed decisions are often made by algorithms rather than doctors, and encouraging others to appeal denials or get patient advocates to fight on their behalf. A recurring theme was the balance between cost and care, the importance of self-advocacy when facing insurance obstacles, and the hope found in successful treatments like Keytruda and radiation that have shrunk or eliminated tumors.

A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Sharon,
Here is the current guidance from the ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology):
Patients should undergo surveillance imaging for recurrence every 6 months for 2 years and then annually for detection of new primary lung cancers. CT (Chest computed tomography) imaging is the optimal imaging modality for surveillance. FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) PET (positron emission tomography/computed tomography) imaging should not be used as a surveillance tool. (This is due to the cost, however, if your insurance will pay for it and you can cover your share, PET is the Holy Grail.)

Also, if you had metastasis to the brain and were successfully treated, brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be used every 3 months for the first year and every 6 months for the second year in patients with stage I-III small-cell lung cancer. It should not be used for routine surveillance in stage I-III NSCLC (meaning no metastasis).

Good luck and…

Stay positive!
Tony

June 22, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Thank you everyone. My doctor I had left and I have to get a new doctor and she is requesting a pet scan. I have been stable for the past 6 months and praying everything is going great.

Praying for you all May God Keep you safe in his arms!!!!!!!!!

June 15, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

you need to be an advacate against these insurance companys they have no problem taking your money when all is well but as soon as something happens they want to deny things way to stick up to them

June 29, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

As long as my tumors remained stable, a CT should be enough every 3 months. Now that they see progression. Every 2months . It kinda depends on what is happening .PET scans reveal more , but also cost so much more. God’s blessings, Dodi

June 14, 2023
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I'm on a 3 month cat scan schedule to check tumor sizes!😀😀

June 14, 2023

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A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
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