Planning Scan

[SandraLlew]

Having the planning scan for the cancer treatment tomorrow, doc assures me it's painless and quick.

Anyone have any personal experiences of this scan?

[Elt79]

Hello - assuming for radiotherapy - have had several - to lung and brain / painles. Good luck

[SandraLlew in reply to Elt79]

Thanks - yup the final scan before treatment

[Boo_Radley]

Hi Sandra, they are OK. I have regular CT scans, and have also had a PET scan and MRI, all are manageable. CT scan requires a cannula which is a needle in the arm and contrast dye. Just keep calm and don't wear anything with metal on, that way you won't have to change into a hospital gown! Good luck. 👍

[SandraLlew in reply to Boo_Radley]

Thank you, this is the last scan so perhaps called a positioning scan, I have watched videos but everyone was on their back, my cancer is on the back of my lungs so position might be awkward.

[JanetteR57]

There are different types of scan including CT, CT with contrast, PET and MRI - PET and 'with contrast' involve injecting a substance/dye via a cannula (usually in the hand) before the scan so that things show more clearly on the image. The MRI is a different type of scanner - a bit noisier and can feel more 'enclosed' than the others. Most hospitals have an information leaflet to explain what's involved but you can always ask for more information or explain you're feeling a little anxious if that's the case. I've had many CTs and a couple of PET scans and an MRI since my diagnosis in Jan 2011. good luck. this information may help you... roycastle.org/about-lung-ca...

[SandraLlew]

Thank you

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Hi SandraLlew , welcome to the forum ,as others have suggested this is indeed a painless scan although as you have said you may be in an uncomfortable position for the scan to take place , if you are experiencing any pain at present it may be a good idea to take some pain killers half an hour before your scan . Sometimes a pin point tattoo is required to mark the exact position is the same for each treatment . In some scans it is possible to listen to music as a way of distraction . You should discuss any apprehension or fears you have with the radiographer prior to your scan. Good luck , i hope all goes well with your scan and your treatment.

[SandraLlew in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you, the scan was painless, but my arms were stiff from being held in place, I will take pills before the treatment scan. Lovely suite for the cancer patients, a little cafe as well.

[SandraLlew in reply to SandraLlew]

Had a call yesterday saying I have to go for a breathing planning series of scans on Monday - I've googled this and it all seems to be about not hitting other areas of your body specifically when having cancer in left breast. My cancer is in the lung and on the right, so I'm a bit confused.