Waiting for Pet Scan results, so difficult in coping

[Guy59]

I have COPD and on Oxygen for activity In 2016 September 12th I had a left lung lobectomy bottom half removed , because of two cancers on bottom of lung, operation was successful, recovered from that, today i just got home today from having to have a Pet Scan on the left lung again it is showing a lesion 12 mm long, i have fibrosis and emphysema , i am now waiting for the results could be another week at least before i hear, this is extremely difficult for me all this waiting, Stressed, depressed certainly having a huge effect on me, how do we cope with all this ?, Phew this is so difficult in coping. thanks

[June2081]

Guy I have found activities that calm the mind work to get through the waiting. Surround yourself with positive people, do not let negativity hold you captive. Meditation, prayer, yoga, acupuncture have all helped me. I’Ve been dealing with lung cancer since 2012, I do believe the medical profession needs to come up with a faster result schedule, we should not have to wait days, weeks to find out a test result.

[Guy59 in reply to June2081]

Hi I understand where you are coming from , I have just been told my appointment for results will be 18th March , so about 12 days still ,

[June2081 in reply to Guy59]

Why is it so long for results? Is this a culture of some sort? It can’t be a CAT scan, making you wait another 12 days would be insanity. Good luck to you and find a calming activity

[Ncpoet]

Waiting is the pits! My next scan is next week and anxiety always comes with that. Been dealing with this since 2013. We know where you’re coming from. Sometimes a repetitive activity (for me—coloring) will relax and calm me. Just remember, you are a survivor!

[Guy59 in reply to Ncpoet]

Thank you . Just been told result of scan will be 18th March, so still await as yet

[Feelingblessed2013]

The waiting is the worst. I find things to do to keep my mind occupied. I used to color, now I play word/puzzle games on my tablet or phone. They keep me occupied and exercise the old brain because they make me think.

[Guy59 in reply to Feelingblessed2013]

thank you for comment

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Great suggestions so far. Many a closet or junk drawer has found themselves straightened out Waiting for scans. It’s a good time to do any paper shredding needs to be done while visualizing that what you’re doing is what your going to do to any cancer.

Anything that helps you stay in the moment rather than letting the mind wander. You can’t keep the ‘what ifs’ away but focusing on the task at hand will keep it at bay for a bit. Puzzles, word puzzles, sudoku are just a few of the things you might consider taking up if you’re housebound. Modified Tai chi and yoga are good as well if you prefer some type of exercise.

Sending hope that this is not a malignancy. Please let us know what you learn.

[Guy59 in reply to Denzie]

thank you for comments, i managed to get out today for 2 hours , wife birthday tomorrow , so needed a present, but i do need help now , so she was with me , the morning was bad for me ,felt so upset , results will be 18th March

[ElmerFudd314]

I'll have to say you're going to a flaky facility. Just had my 5th pet since starting treatment for nsclc adenocarcinoma 14 months ago at the Veteran's Administration Minneapolis. My oncologist calls me the same day after the scans. Cost of drugs and treatment is all free since it's a service related illness. Call it socialized medicine, I like it !

[Guy59 in reply to ElmerFudd314]

That sounds good , well it is under our free NHS service in UK , that's as good as it get I am afraid

[ElmerFudd314 in reply to Guy59]

Well I'm lucky and you're lucky. (To have paid healthcare.)

There are rednecks in this country who will vote for tax cuts for billionaires and have no healthcare at all. I'm 70 and have always been a big fan of your country. ( Or should I say commonwealth?)