Pre-scan jitters

[Gwennie123]

Pre-scan jitters. Once again the pre-scan jitters begin. Today is Friday my scan is Tuesday. I’m convinced that I’m doing better because I feel good. Terrified that I am going to show new signs. Sometimes I don’t know if I’m coming or going. Just like all the rest of us.

[Red71]

Since you feel good, approach your scan as something you are doing for confirmation of that feeling rather than a test that is going to find something wrong. It’s hard, but try to find the positive side rather than the negative!

[Gwennie123 in reply to Red71]

Thanks. Good advise

[Gwennie123]

Thanks ❤️

[Hidden]

Hi Gwennie,

Scan time never gets any easier however many times we have them, does it? As you feel well I would agree with Sandra and Elaine that you are probably going to have good results. I tend to be OK on the day of scans. It's the day I have to see my oncologist for the results that I get nervous. Please let us know how you get on.

All the best for great results!

Sophie x

[Mindysooty]

Hi Gwennie, yes, like the others are saying, it's not the easiest of times but a necessary evil unfortunately. I saw a comment the other day saying someone had scans every 6 or 9 months which for me would be more of a nightmare. I have my first proper follow up scan in September and when it draws near I'm sure I'll get the same sinking feeling everyone seems to get and even more so when I see my Onc for the results. Wishing you all the very best of luck for good result. Best wishes. Josie x

[Barbteeth]

We all understand this one!! I’m like Sophie..scans don’t bother me

I’m worse having the results appointment...it takes great courage to walk through that door and face the oncologist who holds my life in her hands....on one occasion I took my hubby with me and I refused to get out the car and sat for a while first in the car park then obviously I had to go in to the appointment but I froze in fear...just wanted to run away...I go on my own now as I’m braver for some reason if I’m by myself...I’ve been know to cry I’m the waiting room...I’m no good at controlling my emotions and it’s embarrassing

I just know that the time will come when the news will be bad and I can’t face the thought...I know all about living for today being positive etc etc but I’m not good at that....but that’s just me I’m afraid

From what you’ve said about feeling good....then I’m thinking you’re result will be a positive one

All the best

Barb XX

[mariootsi in reply to Barbteeth]

Barb, I can relate to that freezing in fear for results appointment!!!!!!!!

[kearnan in reply to Barbteeth]

I never worry about scans either. When people are stable for a while, I have read that they tend to have scans every six months rather than three months. After 3 1/2 months of being on no cancer meds (just the falsodex injections) because of surgery that instead of a month recovery took so much longer bc I had been on Ibrance, my onco decided she was not going to keep me on the Ibrance after I was ready to go back on the meds. After my recovery period was finally over (and I was sure the open holes would never close on my inner leg), she had me get an ultrasound, and then they did a mammogram again, and then back to the ultrasound room, I knew something was up but didn't ask since I know the technicians cannot tell me. But then the radiologist doctor came in and told me they found a new cancer tumor in my same breast that already has a cancer tumor. I was still calm. My onco called me when I got home and said I would have biopsies again (I was more annoyed about those LOL). I asked my onco the worst case scenario on the phone and she said that the other cancer tumor could be triple negative. I had no idea that you could have two different types of cancer in one breast or they could even changed. The good news was that it was the same type of hormonal breast cancer I already had. So the treatment remained the same. My last visit last month she said time for a new scan of chest, etc. and I stupidly asked why (It seemed so close to my last one) and she said we want to check on your new cancer tumor and I was like OMG...I forgot about that. But I feel and she checks and I don't feel any lump there or whatever. I don't know why but I just remain calm and really don't get nervous whatever the results are because its a cliche but "It is what it is." My worrying is not going to change the outcome anyway so what is the point of wasting my time worrying now. So I really don't worry at all. The worst case is a change of treatment. I just take it day by day and don't look too far ahead and that works for me. I always go by myself since I have no family and none of my friends live in Brooklyn anymore so I have never been able to have anyone accompany me. Even when I had my lung biopsy. I wished I had someone there but I didn't. Didn't hurt like I thought it would.

[Hidden in reply to Barbteeth]

Hi Barb,

I agree that it takes courage to walk through those doors and then sit and wait to see the oncologist. It feels like I am waiting to see the headmistress! She is always pleasant, but she is very businesslike and likes to get to the point pretty quickly. So small talk is normally kept to a minimum as I am told my results.

I would not be embarrassed by your tears, Barb. I have seen others break down in tears in the waiting room and even go outside after seeing their oncologist, perhaps after receiving bad news. I do not feel embarrassed for them, but I want to go up to them and give them a hug. I don't in case I offend someone who would rather not have a stranger do that.

Do you know what? We might not have to deal with "the day" that you mentioned when we are given the news that there is nothing more that can be done. Look at all the strides made in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in recent years. For example, who would have thought 20 years ago that this disease would be treated more as a chronic illness rather than an imminent death sentence? We may get to benefit from a cure, so please don't give up hope that this is all there is.

Sophie x

[Barbteeth in reply to Hidden]

Oh Sophie I hope you’re right but I’m a realist...well today I am!!

You always talk sense...in fact when I received the diagnosis of mbc my oncologist did say that it was treatable but not curable....that can be interpreted in different ways though...I’m such a sceptic...assumed she was just trying to soften the blow but other ladies have been told the same thing so I should listen to what I’m told for once!!

Barb xx

[Hidden in reply to Barbteeth]

Hi Barb,

I know what you mean. My oncologist was very gentle with me the day I first met her and she told me my disease was metastatic, rather than early stage that I had been led to believe for two months. I had just come from gynaecology knowing I would have to go back to that department. The gynaecologist was investigating my right ovary and womb, as they showed up something suspicious during a pelvic ultrasound (it turned out to be uterine fibroids and an ovarian cyst). So even though that was the worst day of my life I was given hope when my oncologist said I have "many years" ahead of me. That's when I started to take charge of what lay ahead.

It is true that our disease is treatable, rather than curable, at this time. Although, as you know there are cases of patients who have been cured from metastatic disease, so it is not impossible. Look at how HIV/AIDS has changed over the years. It is also treated as a chronic health problem, rather than a death sentence and some people have even been cured!

I don't know about you, but I am not planning to die from this disease. If I do, it will be when I am old and decrepit!

Sophie x

[Barbteeth in reply to Hidden]

Sophie I admire your outlook...let’s hope we get to be old and decrepit...a bit closer for me than you though!!

Barb xx

[Hidden in reply to Barbteeth]

I am looking forward to it, Barb! Grey hair and wrinkles?! I think I can handle that.

Sophie x

[Teddielottie]

We are all with you Gwennie and understand the scanxiety you are experiencing .

I am exactly the same as Sophie and Barb, in that the actual scan doesn’t bother me anymore .. maybe because I have now had 4 CT scans..., or maybe it’s because no one in the CT unit actually knows anything about me and I am one of many in a queue , all with different illnesses , not just cancer patients, but that makes it easier for me to cope with .

It is the hour before getting my results in the oncology unit (unfortunately up to 2 weeks after the actual scan for me ....due to the shortage in the NHS of senior radiographers who interpret the scans ) from my onc or nurse consultant , that I find the most nerve racking ...the fear of getting bad news even after 3 stable reports ... so I don’t think it ever gets any easier ...but it is all part of the regime we have to live with .

I wish you good results and like the others have said try to keep busy this weekend and stay positive x

[mariootsi]

I feel the same way! I think scan time makes us all crazy! Jeez.

Wishing you a good scan and good results. Will think of you on Tuesday.

Love,

Marianne

[Rhwright12]

How so can u get your results? I can get mine from the radiology department in 3-4 hours...I typically send my mom in the next day at lunch time to pick them up. One of my “special “ nurses will even tell me after the scan. Last time I found out because all 14 of my bone mets disappeared and they thought something was wrong with the machine! 😂🤣🙈😱

I seriously don’t know what I would do if I had to what 2 weeks...besides I like to be prepared to investigate my next steps. Too hard to be slapped over the head with a diagnosis and then 2 seconds later have to make a treatment change decision. 😀

[Hidden in reply to Rhwright12]

Hi Heather,

That's great that you get your CT scan results so quickly. We have to wait two weeks to get ours in the UK.

Sophie

[Rhwright12 in reply to Hidden]

I would go insane! 😱

[Hidden in reply to Rhwright12]

Well, it isn't much fun! I'm going to try and book my next one 11 days out. I've been able to book my last few CT scans myself.😊

[hdhonda]

I will be with you Tuesday having my scans here in Panama City. Prayers they are both stable. Blessings Hannah

[123048]

Thinking of you Gwennie, I too have a CT scan but on Wednesday, and see oncologist on Friday. I saw my surgeon last week and told him I feel well, is that a good sign and he said yes. So here’s hoping for all of us. Keep busy, love Helen xxx

[Rhwright12]

I get mine handed to me in an envelope the next day or my mom gets them...I’m not sure why they would think waiting to hear it from them would make u feel better...not me! 😀

[Ninfa1956]

Mine is on the 12th and results on the 16th I feel your pain but we have to stay positive for us and for our families. God be with us