Anxious About Scan

[Frenchgirl68]

I have a scan coming up next Wednesday, Unam feeling very anxious. Is this a common feeling. I am afraid of disease progression, and I am afraid my medication has stopped working.

Thank you

[Silver126]

You’re not alone! My scans will be in 15 days and I’m so scared… We all feel the same, it’s very a heavy burden to bear. Hope everything will be alright 🤗

[love2golfwell]

It is normal to feel anxious about scans. I always do. Scanxiety is a real thing. Even if I am feeling well, I wonder what might be lurking inside. Have you had new symptoms that are being checked out or has your bloodwork indicated that something might be going on? Scans are a good source of information. Try not to get stressed before you know anything. Find some good ways to calm yourself like breathing exercises, meditation, etc. I always pray that if something is found on a scan it can be treated so I can move forward with living. I hope your scan goes well and that you get good news. Sending you hugs and prayers,

[Frenchgirl68 in reply to love2golfwell]

It is just a routine scan. Bloodwork has been good.

[love2golfwell in reply to Frenchgirl68]

Okay, that's good. Hoping for good news for you.

[Saltandlight]

Oh yes, you are not alone in feeling anxiety for upcoming scans. I know this is hard to do, but try not to focus on the “what ifs” and concentrate on taking care of you. Lifting you up in prayer for peace and good results.

[SwedishSissi]

I am usually a complete wreck before my scan and for the days after waiting for the result. So I would say it is not unusual at all. What works for me is that the scan team give me a copy of the scan results report before I see my oncologist, so that I can calmly read through the report and work out my questions before the meeting. I also have a "2nd opinion team" that I can discuss it with, so that I am armed with their reasoning as well before my meeting.

Good luck with your scan.

[Hopeful4Cure]

I totally agree with the others. I would rather know, than not know. It is stressful. The whole issue of having MBC is stressful, especially along with all the scans, blood work, etc. The majority of us have been on numerous meds because others have not worked. We just pray that we can continue to live and are hopeful that there is another drug down the line that will keep us alive. Hang in there, you have freinds here that will not judge you. Sending positive energy and warm thoughts your way.

[NShaft]

I am 5 years after my DX and still get anxious every time before scans. It comes with the BC ride. Taking deep belly breaths and keeping your mind busy helps. I hope you hear good results.

[Totheriver]

Hoping for good results for you.🙏. Scaniety is real! I get it before my scans too.

[fancydog]

If there is anyone who does not get anxious before scans they must be in denial.

[Discocat]

Hi

Yup scans are scary!! I've got another also in a few days on Thursday. This is going to sound silly....but I try and kid myself that I'm not going for a medical scan ...but that it's some sort of weird spa treatment...yes I know it sounds daft...I'm not even a fan of spas or beauty treatments...but it somehow helps me detach from the clinical and makes me feel less anxious....ridiculous as it is.

Might have to change my moniker from discocat to krazykitty.

Wishing you all the best ...on a more serious note another thing that I've done is find a cotton baggy dress on amazon that I wear as my own gown. Not all scans require a change as long as your not wearing any metal fastening etc...but when it is I Iike wearing my own as its longer and more comfortable than the scratchy gapey things you get at the clinic....somehow also makes me feel like I'm slightly more in control of my environment too.

[kiwi67 in reply to Discocat]

Hi Discocat. You don't need to change your moniker, we do what ever we need to to get through and thats ok. Here in NZ we don't change into gowns if we have been smart enough to wear no metal. I even have a couple a stretchy bras that I slip over my head, no metal, that I wear on scan day. For me staying in my own clothes makes it less of a deal. And I have full body scans plus my head each time.

[Figletf in reply to Discocat]

I always wear my own clothes for scans.I just make sure there are no metal zippers,bra clips or such on the outfits. My oncologist never has me disrobe either👍

[mariootsi]

Scanxiety is perfectly normal in our situation. I wish you much luck with your results. I'll be praying for you! Love and hugs.

[Widdershins3]

I go through waves of fear with each scan these days--you're not alone. Just hang in there and maybe do what I do: I promise myself a yummy scone at the medical building's coffee shop for right after the scan has been done. It gives me something to think about that's NOT disease progression. Works every time.

[Kerryd22]

What Is ‘Scanxiety’ and Tips for Reducing It

healthline.com/health/metas...

While these feelings are normal, there are steps you can take to manage them.

[Figletf in reply to Kerryd22]

I usually take a Xanax😄

[Kerryd22 in reply to Figletf]

That works too! I use Schrödinger’s cat methodology. Until I know the result I tell myself it’s all ok.

[Figletf]

Hopefully all will go easily for you.I have been doing this every three months since January 2018.The drugs I have taken have kept me alive.Each time one drug stops working there is another to try👍Plus, research just keeps producing new and better treatments ❤️

Do deep breathing exercises ,they do help👍 Worry is just stealing what days you now have😢.

[NPmary]

Scan anxiety or satiety as some call it is very common (possibly universal). What helps me is what another woman with MBC told me: "ewhatever a scan shows - you have already been living with it". This advice has helped to lessen my anxiety and also sort of lays the ground work for my acceptance of whatever reality and changes may be coming. Remembering that change is always part of being alive also helps me. Wishing you the very best.🌺🧡🌺