C T Scan

[Colin57]

Well following a diagnosis of NSC lung cancer in April, a left lung pneumonectomy in July and course of chemotherapy I am going to hospital today for my first post treatment CT scan. Having over the last few weeks had a cough develop. I am feeling a tad apprehensive. I suspect I’m being a bit of a hypochondriac, or just a plain woose!

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hello Colin57,

It is understandable that you will feel apprehensive about your Ct scan results, a cough especially at this time of year can be common and nothing to do with your previous diagnosis, hopefully the results of your scan will put your mind at rest,

Kind regards

Roy Castle Helpline

[ynkefan08753]

I’m sure everything will be just fine. The cough is likely just due to winter weather. Also, your body uses coughing to bring up any unwanted debris in your lungs and throat so I wouldn’t be too concerned. Good luck with your scan!

[Colin57 in reply to ynkefan08753]

Many Thanks, I’m sure your right.

[Bow-19]

I can empathise, I think it’s normal to feel anxious when waiting for or getting scan results, lots of people experience the same. Some people call it scanxiety. I would say it’s to be expected. Hope that you get the results that you want x

[Colin57 in reply to Bow-19]

Thank you so much. Scanxiety? Yes that seems about right!

[Bow-19 in reply to Colin57]

It really is a word, if you google it you will see how common it is. Wishing you all the best x

[Tizz]

Totally agree with all the above Good Luck!

[Colin57 in reply to Tizz]

Thanks

[SAH1]

Agree with others Colin, everyone I know seems to have a bug at the moment. On my first follow up with the Oncologist after chemo he said 'I expect you want to know your CT results', then said 'Unfortunately...we haven't got the report back yet but I've had a look and it seems OK'. I tell you, I'd planned my own funeral between 'unfortunately' and 'we'! I suggested that he found another word to start that particular sentence with next time. Hope all goes well for you.

[Colin57 in reply to SAH1]

Thank you so much for your kind message.

[Anniecat]

Hello Colin Know how you feel. Went to my GP again yesterday as my cough hasn't cleared yet after 6 weeks. I am now booked in for a X ray Boxing day(not a bank holiday here) She has said it is just to put my mind at rest. After 10 years I still panic at things. Hopefully we will be both back on smiling & saying all ok

[JanetteR57]

As others have said it's easy to think the worse after a cancer diagnosis and treatment and doesn't seem to get easier as the years go by especially as most of us have scans in the winter when we contract other bugs/viruses etc. I found the book 'cancer is a word not a sentence' by Dr Rob Buckman helped me put it all in context - a useful and interesting read for anyone with cancer and in a readable style for everyone. He used to present a tv programme in the 1970s called 'where there's life' with Dr Mirian Stoppard if the name sounds familiar. good luck.

[JeanE41]

You are not a hypochondriac. My very wise primary physician on my first visit with him after a lumpectomy for breast cancer and a lobectomy for nsclc said that I am like a China doll, very fragile. This is normal after any cancer diagnosis. Scanxiety is also normal. How can it be otherwise? After 3 1/2 years I still get anxious before a scan. It gets better, but is always there. We always have that fear in the back of our minds, is it back?

I hope your scan is clear and that you have a long, long period of NED (no evidence of disease). Take care.

Jean

[Colin57 in reply to JeanE41]

Thank you so much! Is it also common for this to make me ridiculously emotional?

Colin

[JanetteR57 in reply to Colin57]

It can do - how did you get on? sometimes the emotion is relief, sometimes guilt, sometimes anger, disappointment and everything in between. wishing you all the best over Xmas and hope your cough goes soon.

[JeanE41]

Absolutely!!!!!

[Ollie13]

Totally agreed with everyone hope you have now had your results and I pray they are good. Merry Christmas.

[1968]

Wishing you all the very best and hope all is OK.