Pet scan is scheduled getting nervous

azgrandma

I go next wed for pet scan
are they horrible or what
what are they like, i go at 2 pm they say I can not eat after 7 am.
getting nervous about getting it done, will the cancer be gone" etc amyone else nervoous when they got theirs

leesag

Pet Scans aren't horrible at all, IMO
Actually, they aren't horrible at all. The prep is pretty similar to a CT scan if I recall correctly, only I don't recall having to drink nasty stuff before hand. I had an injection of "stuff," similar to the CT scan contrast without that warm "having to go the bathroom" feeling. The part I didn't like, was the waiting for the "stuff" to travel, I wasn't allowed to read or listen to music because my brain would have lit up. I ended up taking a little nap! The scan itself was easy and quick. It's an open doughnut hole, not enclosed like an MRI, and quiet.

As for nervous, mine was after my diagnosis but before my surgery, I was nervous about the results being worse than the IIIC I already knew about from the CT scan! I don't think I'll ever approach a mammogram, CT, PET, MRI or ultrasound without a HIGH degree of anxiety about the results again!

However, if you're worried about the process of the PET, you can relax, you'll be just fine and it wasn't at all painful for me. You're in my prayers!

HUGS!

Leesa

BonnieR

easy as pie
Hi lynda, pet scans are not much different than a ct scan, except they take a bit longer. Not too long anymore though. Prayers for great results coming your way. Hugs Bonnie

lindaprocopio

BonnieR said:

easy as pie
Hi lynda, pet scans are not much different than a ct scan, except they take a bit longer. Not too long anymore though. Prayers for great results coming your way. Hugs Bonnie

I take my own pillow to cradle my arms overhead
I feel real comfort in having my arms overhead resting on my own pillow from home. You could bring yours along. They wrap you in a warm blanket, too, if you feel cold and that's a comfort. It's best to just zone out and pray or even sleep. I keep my eyes closed; I don't like the time when my face is under the overhead arch, and I'd rather not know when that is. I do feel a pinched nerve or something with my arms over my head that way, but I think a lot of that is anxiety and stress. Try to think good thoughts and will yourself to relax. The scan itself is not at all painful.

azgrandma

lindaprocopio said:

I take my own pillow to cradle my arms overhead
I feel real comfort in having my arms overhead resting on my own pillow from home. You could bring yours along. They wrap you in a warm blanket, too, if you feel cold and that's a comfort. It's best to just zone out and pray or even sleep. I keep my eyes closed; I don't like the time when my face is under the overhead arch, and I'd rather not know when that is. I do feel a pinched nerve or something with my arms over my head that way, but I think a lot of that is anxiety and stress. Try to think good thoughts and will yourself to relax. The scan itself is not at all painful.

how long
how long does it take from start to finish i am also geting anxous about the results
i pray i am cancer free

kayandok

azgrandma said:

how long
how long does it take from start to finish i am also geting anxous about the results
i pray i am cancer free

PET/CT
I just had my 4th one the other day, it is the most boring thing I ever do, and that includes a boring sermon:) From start to finish it takes a few hours, depending on how many times they want to do it. This is the breakdown of what I do, although I'm sure some labs vary.

1. change into hospital gown - 10 minutes

2. wait for doc, and have brief consultation, blood sugar test - 20 minutes

3. get the isotopes in my vein - 10 mintutes (the needle does not stay in)

4. lie down, and wait, (no reading or earphones allowed) 1 hour (this is to let the isotopes circulate through your body evening)

5 .first CT/PET - 30 minutes

6. wait for another 30 minutes or so, allowing the lab guy to look at the scan

7. either go home or one more take - 10 minutes

I visualize myself on the beach or somewhere relaxing and always fall asleep. I try not to think about the results etc but only relaxing to for the day to get through the test.

I hope this is helpful for you,
kathleen:)

pjdreams

The PET/CT scan is your friend !
Lynda,

The PET/CT is one of least troublesome tests I've had taken in this whole process. It is also one of the best tools available to find out if there are any cancer cells left in your body so think of it as your best friend right now.

The biggest complaint is that it's long and boring and you need to fast for several hours before hand but the benefits FAR out weigh these minor inconveniences. The PET/CT is relatively new and we are "lucky" that it's around for us.

I wish you well thru this journey.

Paula

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