PET Scan Coming Up

susan1069
susan1069 Member Posts: 30
edited March 2014 in Anal Cancer #1
Well, my first PET scan since treatment ended is coming up on Wednesday and the anxiety is overwhelming. I was anxious to have it done asap but now I'm thinking that if the news is bad, I'll just be back in a world of despair. My treatment ended in April and the CT scan in July showed that my pelvic lymph node, which was involved, had shrunk back to normal size, so that was encouraging. And I feel fine, which I guess is good, but I'm scared to death. Guess I'm just looking for some positive thoughts from everybody. Please wish me luck!!

Comments

  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member
    #2
    Upcoming Scan
    Hi Susan,
    I know the anxiety is overwhelming. I just had my one year scan and I tell you, I had aches and pains everywhere and was convinced the beast was back. Thankfully my CT was all clear and then I realized the next day, nothing hurt! So it was a lot of my mind taking over my body and it was all from stress.

    The good news is that you had a CT scan in July and in some places, like MD Anderson, they don't even do a PET, they rely on the CT. I think it's going to be alright. The CT scan does pick up quite a lot. I wish I could tell you not to worry, but I worried too. All I can say is keep busy as much as possible.

    Wishing you great news and the wonderful feeling we get when the doctors tell us all is well!

    Liz
  • catlady6500
    catlady6500 Member Posts: 2
    #3
    I'm afraid that anxiety is a
    I'm afraid that anxiety is a perfectly normal reaction many of us have to after treatment tests. I agree with the other opinion that you can try to stay busy and I know you can't help where your mind goes, but - I think you will be seeing some positive results, especially since your CT scan was good. I will be thinking of you, and remember, you got through one of the most awful experiences a person could have during treatment, you will get through this too!
    Cat
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #4
    Hi Susan!
    You are experiencing what the rest of us have when tests approach. It can be a very anxious time, which is understandable. It gets easier the farther out from treatment you are. I believe that you are going to get good results, especially since your CT scan was good. As already recommended, try to stay busy and keep your mind occupied with other things. Everything will be fine!
  • SueRelays
    SueRelays Member Posts: 485
    #5
    I DO Wish you well....and I
    I DO Wish you well....and I wish like hell there was a pill we could take that would allow us to forget we have a scan until AFTER the results! There just isn't an easy way to deal with scanxiety! I just kept telling myself that the docs said it was...what, like 80-90% curable, and doesn't come back??? Just tried to think positively, and took anti anxiety pills before I went to bed occasionally if I was just laying there awake thinking about it!

    CLEAR SCAN, CLEAR SCAN, CLEAR SCAN.......keeping you in my prayers!

    Be sure to let us know.
  • duckyann
    duckyann Member Posts: 159
    #6
    SueRelays said:

    I DO Wish you well....and I
    I DO Wish you well....and I wish like hell there was a pill we could take that would allow us to forget we have a scan until AFTER the results! There just isn't an easy way to deal with scanxiety! I just kept telling myself that the docs said it was...what, like 80-90% curable, and doesn't come back??? Just tried to think positively, and took anti anxiety pills before I went to bed occasionally if I was just laying there awake thinking about it!

    CLEAR SCAN, CLEAR SCAN, CLEAR SCAN.......keeping you in my prayers!

    Be sure to let us know.

    Hi Susan - I also want to
    Hi Susan - I also want to wish you the best on your upcoming PET scan. I too feel it will all be good especially since your CAT scan was. Hang in there it is very normal to be anxious. My scan isn't until October and I am already getting nervous.
  • susan1069
    susan1069 Member Posts: 30
    #7
    duckyann said:

    Hi Susan - I also want to
    Hi Susan - I also want to wish you the best on your upcoming PET scan. I too feel it will all be good especially since your CAT scan was. Hang in there it is very normal to be anxious. My scan isn't until October and I am already getting nervous.

    Thanks
    Thanks, everybody, for the positive thoughts. I actually have calmed down quite a bit and just want it over with. The CAT scan was only of my pelvis and my dr. called it "beautiful" but I guess my biggest worry is that the cancer has spread to my lungs or liver. I just had bloodwork done this week and everything was good - my kidney function and liver enzymes included. (Even my vitamin D level was good - which is amazing for Northeast PA!) So, I'm just gonna try to think positive and keep making plans for the future and to stay busy.

    I'll let you all know how it turns out. Thanks again!
  • susan1069
    susan1069 Member Posts: 30
    #8
    The Results Are In
    Everything looks good! No sign of cancer from chin to thigh. Big exhale...whew! It's funny I thought the worry would subside immediately, but I think it'll take a while to sink in. Thanks again.
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #9
    susan1069 said:

    The Results Are In
    Everything looks good! No sign of cancer from chin to thigh. Big exhale...whew! It's funny I thought the worry would subside immediately, but I think it'll take a while to sink in. Thanks again.

    Susan
    Hi Susan,

    Great news for your clear scan. I wish you continued good scans. Lori
  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member
    #10
    z said:

    Susan
    Hi Susan,

    Great news for your clear scan. I wish you continued good scans. Lori

    Awesome news Susan
    So glad to hear that all is well. Sending you a virtual hug!
    Liz
  • mp327
    mp327 Member Posts: 4,440 Member
    #11
    susan1069 said:

    The Results Are In
    Everything looks good! No sign of cancer from chin to thigh. Big exhale...whew! It's funny I thought the worry would subside immediately, but I think it'll take a while to sink in. Thanks again.

    Great News!
    Susan!

    Congrats on the wonderful news. Now go celebrate this weekend!
  • ranelle65
    ranelle65 Member Posts: 63
    #12
    susan1069 said:

    The Results Are In
    Everything looks good! No sign of cancer from chin to thigh. Big exhale...whew! It's funny I thought the worry would subside immediately, but I think it'll take a while to sink in. Thanks again.

    hooray!
    Glad to hear you got good news...
  • ranelle65
    ranelle65 Member Posts: 63
    #13
    upcoming scans
    I think it's a normal thing to be worried about our scans after treatment, just like everyone has said here. My problem is that I've had a vaginal yeast infection and now a UT infection somewhere. I started researching and scared myself...now I'm having lower abdominal cramps, and I don't have a uterus and/or ovaries. My PET and CT scans are scheduled on the 13th and 20th respectively. The dr appointment is on the 24th...
  • pjjenkins
    pjjenkins Member Posts: 173
    #14
    ranelle65 said:

    upcoming scans
    I think it's a normal thing to be worried about our scans after treatment, just like everyone has said here. My problem is that I've had a vaginal yeast infection and now a UT infection somewhere. I started researching and scared myself...now I'm having lower abdominal cramps, and I don't have a uterus and/or ovaries. My PET and CT scans are scheduled on the 13th and 20th respectively. The dr appointment is on the 24th...

    Testing anxiety
    Gosh darn there is no pill to stop it! And isn't it amazing how many little complaints we notice as testing approaches!

    Best wishes to all in this mode... May NED be upon you!

    Priscilla

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