My answer is probably longer than you bargained for when you asked the question
I established a relationship with a cardiologist probably at the five year mark after treatment ended. My MDA doctor did a really good job preparing me that between my family history and chemo, that I would have heart issues sooner than I would have otherwise. Generally, I would see him twice a year. I credit this for basically never having a heart attack as we were able to figure out my blockages before I suffered any heart damage. Yes, I have a lot of stents but not having damaged heart muscle puts me in much better shape.
I also see a dentist twice a year for cleanings and examinations as I had mantle radiation and it has impacted my teeth and he also checks me for oral cancers.
My doctor at MDA continued to see me once a year for 20 years after treatment ended. This is not normal but we became friends and he was genuinely interested in my life. I would get a chest x-ray (lung cancer) and they would do a mega bloodwork panel as they say I’m at risk for leukemia. Also, there is some component which looks at tumor markers.
When my doc retired they moved me to the survivorship clinic where I see a nurse practitioner once a year for the chest x-ray and blood work. She and my GP always examine me for head and neck cancers.
I also have always had a GP that I see once a year and as needed when things have come up.
I also get a skin check once a year from a dermatologist as I have had numerous skin cancers in the areas where I have had radiation.
They also have me on an every three year cycle for a colonoscopy as every time they remove polyps even though I have no family history and because I had pelvic radiation. When they do this, they also do an endoscopy because I was radiated in my neck, chest and abdomen.
Yes, I have spent a lot of time at the doctor over the years. Sometimes I feel like going to the doctor is my part time job. I have also had to come to terms that all these x-rays, CT’s etc have exposed me to even more radiation.
However, it’s been worth it for me as like I said, I have caught all my heart issues early, had probably six skin cancer episodes, the polyps, and needed three root canals and several teeth pulled and replaced with implants. All of my physicians have directly related these issues to my treatment.
When I was diagnosed, I became friends with two people who had Hodgkins probably @ 2 years before I did. We had the same treatment regimen from the same doctor at MDA. One of these people has passed away from a secondary cancer from his treatment. The other is really in bad shape with heart valve issues from the chemo.
It should be noted though that our treatments were all done in the early 90’s and I was 26 years old. I’m 57 now. My understanding is that they have made great strides in the protocols for the type of cancer I had which may have minimized some of these side effects.
I’m not advocating going to the lengths I have but I am saying that it’s not like the cures are consequence free. If you live long enough after your treatment something will show up.
Ask the question of what you may be at risk for 25 years down the road and plan accordingly.
I’ve dodged a lot of bullets and managed to see my kids grow up and become wonderful adults. For that reason alone I’m satisfied with how my post treatment health has been managed.