Another test another hand holding? - SHARE Metastatic ...

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Another test another hand holding?

Sky_Writer profile image
24 Replies

I'm off to another MRI today. Because of Covid and scheduling conflicts, I'm driving myself. Usually I'm okay with that (this year) but today, I'm really not doing well with it. It's a bit of "going-it-alone", a bit of stepping back into the wait-for-the-report phase (although I generally feel okay), a bit of patience-testing to lie motionless on a cold slab for ages. And I know my other half doesn't know what kind of mood I will be in when I get back, and I don't know either, so I can't really reassure him about anything.

I hope everyone else is having a better day so far.

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Sky_Writer profile image
Sky_Writer
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24 Replies

Hi,

I know where you are coming from. I'm normally fine with attending appointments and procedures on my own too, but there are times when I need more support. Can someone come with you, but just wait outside the hospital until you have finished?

Sophie

Sky_Writer profile image
Sky_Writer in reply to

Thank you.

I think my anxiety is spiraling a bit from having to go alone today. My husband has a conflict, and it's basically just us at home right now.

in reply toSky_Writer

You're welcome. I hope you are feeling better today.

Take care,

Sophie

Hi sky writer

Just wanted to say I 'hear you'. I'm fairly new to MBC being diagnosed april so haven't had many scans so far but before each of the ones I have had, I'm a bag of nerves. Doesn't matter what anyone says either does it?

I'm sure this is true for all of us when I say, I'm holding your hand.

And fingers crossed for a good report🤞

Phew, I respect your tension. It’s never easy. We need to remind ourselves that it is natural to get stressed and figure out some way to have a “treat” awaiting us the next day — a special place to walk, a glass of wine or nice hot chocolate, a scheduled nap with kind music to soothe your soul.

Good luck. We are here to listen and support you.

Bettybuckets profile image
Bettybuckets in reply to

Good practical advice! I am sad to hear that with CV that so many of us have to go it alone. Very fortunate in NZ to have eradicated CV so no restrictions. Feel very blessed.

in reply toBettybuckets

Betty - thanks for your nice words. I wish our leadership was more proactive and transparent about covid. I’m glad NZ has few restrictions. I miss live concerts, movie theaters & hugs!! My husband finally got to see his mother after 7 months. She’s been very careful which is good.

stardust1965 profile image
stardust1965 in reply toBettybuckets

Hi Bettybuckets

Good to see another Kiwi on this board. I’ve lived in the UK since the 1980’s (so now have two passports) but all my family are in NZ. We were visiting when Covid struck and had a very anxious extra week there trying to get flights back to the UK after ours were cancelled. We left at the end of March but I was so pleased to know that from 1 April Ibrance was to be available in NZ. Jacinta got it right with Covid 💃 I was so happy to have visited when I did.

You’ve found a good place to come on this board with the supportive women here.

Bettybuckets profile image
Bettybuckets

I’m dreading getting into that machine again... only did it once so far so I bet waiting for the first scan will be scary to see if Ibrance is working. My dr says labs look good but have more pain so maybe it just didn’t working for me?

in reply toBettybuckets

Betty — I certainly understand your mind fretting despite what your doctor and the labs say. It’s anxiety producing no matter what. When you hear your anxiety talking like that, allow the assuring observation of your doctor and the labs to have a louder voice.

As for pain, be sure to mention it to your doctor. For all we know, it’s a side effect for which your doctor may have a suggestion.

Hang in there. Good luck

Barbteeth profile image
Barbteeth

I actually prefer to go by myself...hate fuss

Barb xx

in reply toBarbteeth

I agree. It’s not like you get the results right then and there so it’s not helpful that way. With Covid I can’t bring anyone anyway. I like to get in & out of there.

in reply toBarbteeth

Barb, I'm with you on that! I always go alone, to all appointments (in spite of the fact that I have horrible claustrophobia/needlephobia!).

When I was doing IV chemo, back in the day, some loved ones really wanted to go with me, so a couple of times I reluctantly agreed. Then I regretted it...I felt like I had to focus on them a bit, when all I wanted to do was zone out/read/etc...

Lynn

in reply to

For me, chemo was when I liked to have at least 1-2 company. It’s a long, dreary process, and I never felt great afterward. Scans on the other hand are quite manageable for me. It helps I don’t have claustrophobia.

We all have treatments and exams we dislike in different ways. Here’s to finding a process that helps each of us push on.

Sky_Writer profile image
Sky_Writer in reply toBarbteeth

Generally, I don't go for all the fuss either, but yesterday was a difficult one. xx

Corgi3 profile image
Corgi3

Sky Writer,

I understand about not being ok taking yourself....my 25 yr old daughter normally goes w/me to all my appointments....now w/Covid she had to stay in the car while I do labs until I am called back to an exam room to see my Oncologist. In June, when I had my bone biopsy (lower spine) I had to go in alone. It is hard to not have that support system during Covid. Please give yourself Grace. This is a lot to process & things can change so quickly. We don't have control over much. Emotions run high. We are all here to support you! Hoping for the best!

~♡Bev

Mary115 profile image
Mary115

Sky Writer

I do relate. It is hard for my husband to wait in the car..

I do better supporting him supporting me when we are together.

It helps to remind myself that we are no longer alone in our struggles.

We are together with other cyber space folks who care and share

and want to hear how we are doing.

I like the idea someone wrote hear to let other voices be stronger than

our anxious voice in our head..

I am trying to listen to my voice that is compassionate toward myself and others.

Keep us posted as to how things went.

Carry us in your pocket or some memento of caring women... us and others too.

mariootsi profile image
mariootsi

I wish you luck for good results.

ChrisVict profile image
ChrisVict

I like to go the mri And pet scans alone it’s the results that I need l more compassion for it’s seems like there is never enough understanding for what I am tam going through.. How much time, side effects, when will the right trial come up, the internal confidence disintegrating

Acting like everything is ok.

BangorBelle56 profile image
BangorBelle56

I know just what you mean. I have a total body scan (1hour) followed by an hour slowly drinking the barium meal before my CT scan every nine weeks, and now that my husband is no longer allowed in the clinic the time passes much more slowly. I miss his company a lot. I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful supportive partner.

Mary115 profile image
Mary115

Just checking in to see how you are doing

Sky_Writer profile image
Sky_Writer in reply toMary115

Thank you! I'm still awaiting results, and have a follow-up this week....alone again. I'm a total flip-flopped this week about it, and don't really want to talk about it much at home. I guess I'm kind of holding my breath about the results, and would prefer not to take "sympathetic" bets on the outcome, to be honest. I think talking about it just stirs up a bit of anxiety about how it might go.

Generally, I'm okay - keeping it together.

Mary115 profile image
Mary115

Sky Writer

I relate about preferring not to listen to the sympathetic bets on the outcome too.

Worked better for me.

Works better for me.

I also had a difficult time consoling people who were anxious about me.

So, we do no need the stirring up of anxiety in ourselves..

I just needed (need) to know that I have people in my corner..

And we do..

In each other's corners.

Sky_Writer profile image
Sky_Writer

So, I have a not-before-seen indeterminate 6mm "enhancement" from the MRI scan :(

Could be anything, since I've been through nearly 40 targeted rounds now.

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