anxiety pet scan

[janeths466]

Hope you all are having a lovely morning. So, my mom is having her first pet scan after her canceroid lung tumor was removed 4 months ago. Oncologist said they were very rare but she must be checked every 3 months. I am so scared for this pet scan since it is today! I am praying so much. My mom is already in dyalisis and anything else would be alot. I am on my way to university but super tense about this , and wanna cry. I know this is a common feeling, but how do you all calm down a bit. What helps you through this?

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

A lot of closets get cleaned, garages swept out and drawers organized at times like this.

What helps me is accepting that it’s cancer and the cancer is going to do what the cancer is going to do. I can’t control that. I can control my response to it though and I know time given over to worrying or obsessing over the cancer is time I can never get back. Cancer has already taken much from me, I refuse to let it take my time away too.

It’s harder being the caregiver though. Your mom knows she’s doing all in her power to heal. As caregivers you can only be there when she needs you. Try meditation. It will help you live in the moment and chase away the ‘what if’s’.

[Beepers7]

For me it all begins with prayer and trust in God to answer those prayers. Many times He answers them differently than we want and that’s when we have to accept His will for us. He loves us so much. He provides an escape from these temporary earthly tents we live in now, Jesus. I lean into Romans 8:28 as I travel my road of cancer treatment. “ all things work for the good of those who love the Lord”. His peace be with you on this difficult journey of life.

Praying for you and your mom.

SteveO

[MarianK]

Your already doing the right thing reaching out to this group for comfort and support. As a former dialysis nurse I can tell you , your already dealing with a lot having your mom on dialysis. If your mom has coped well on dialysis three times a week and is compliant with her diet and fluid restrictions than she’s already shown she’s a strong woman and willing to work hard to stay healthy. The road ahead may be hard and very different but it sounds like your mom has already shown she can handle a challenge.

Good luck, I’ll pray for you both.

[Madmeg65]

I'm the same as Denzie. When I have the energy. If I'm not feeling too good, I usually watch an old favorite movie that makes me happy so that I can get lost in a fun romance or comedy. A nice hot bath with some calming music helps me as well. Being here among fellow warriors is a great place to be! Prayers for you.

[JanetteR57]

As the clinician explained, carcinoid tumours are very rare and are neuroendocrine tumours (NET) rather than primary lung so the treatment may be different although they are often handled by a thoracic (chest) team. I found the book 'cancer is a word not a sentence' by Dr Rob Buckman helped me in terms of putting my concerns/anxiety into context and believing that every symptom after my lung cancer diagnosis in Jan 2011 was related to the cancer returning. It's quite an easy read for patients and relatives and one I felt very helpful. hope it helps you too