HI,
I am five years removed from my last chemo treatments and am not on any medication, however I did have routine follow up care as follows:
I also was told the biggest factor is self evaluation which is difficult as some of you have mentioned as there can be many contributing factors and for me my symptoms before diagnosis came and went, fatigue was a huge change for me, but that is a constant part of my life now so that doesn't help a whole bunch in regard to what to watch for.
The first two years I had a visit with the oncologist every four months with blood work done prior to each appointment.
I did have within the first two year time frame multiple issues that required a scan to check out the source of the problems. It turned out to be a nasty infection called HPylori which is challenging to get rid of and has lingering symptoms. This was not revealed in the scan, but we started with a scan and then moved on to what else it might be.
I also developed tachycardia arrhythmia which resulted in needing medication to control my heart rate (I will be on this for the rest of my life) and it causes fatigue as the heart rate is slowed down, another contributing factor. This was diagnosed during a physical within the first two years.
Earlier on I had a bladder infection which as many of you will know can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in the pelvic area.
After two years it became every six months, but again if I had any unusual symptoms all I had to do was call the oncologists office and they would arrange for blood work first and then if needed a follow up scan it was done. I have had ongoing discomfort and from time to time bowel irregularities, but thankfully each time the scans came back clear. I would say over five years I have likely had four scans as well as an ultrasound and interestingly x rays as there was basically pain throughout my body which has been determined to be osteo arthritis in hands, feet and back. How much of any of that can be related to chemo or just the luck of the draw is hard to say.
This all sounds a bit daunting, but I am doing very well and enjoying life, grandkids, traveling, cooking, baking, etc. etc. I break tasks down into parts and find I can manage quite fine that way, short naps when possible are also a big help. I have zero complaints about anything and am immensely grateful for every day. I hope that helps you a bit in regard to how self monitoring may or may not work.
I live in Alberta and had my care in Calgary at the Tom Baker Center which is an amazing place with excellent staff.
P.S. I was 64 when diagnosed.