Waiting on that dreaded appointment

donna_lee said:

Not quite anxiety attack
Yes...there is stress related to having the next test, and the next. After having 2 recurrences, each a year apart after the initial surgery, there is stress. In 2009, I went thru 4 CT's and an ultrasound in 6 months, until it was determined I had a hemangioma (strawberry birthmark if on the skin) in the liver.
And because I have had so many CT's since 2006, my oncologist has modified the schedule -
CT once a year, 3 mo lab check, another 3 mo. and an abdominal/pelvic ultrasound with chest X-ray, 3 mo lab check; then start over.
I get antsy and a bit short tempered, but am bringing it down to only about a week prior to the tests and not for several weeks prior.
The physical part of the CT, altho technically not bad, does things to me. I have to take acetylcyst before and the morning of to facilitate the remaining kidney passing the dye.
I have a liter of pre and post hydration, again to help the kidney; and the crowning glory is the effects of the Barium sulfate-2 bottles-drunk while I'm getting the first liter dripped in. By the time I return to outpatient infusion, I have cramping and diarrhea. It's all over with in a few hours, buuuuuut still not fun. Panty liners, diaper wipes, and Desitin or A&D usually save the day.
I don't have my next CT till Sept. But as they say, the alternative's not so great, either.

I did see a psychologist a few years ago. She helped me realize that I am the type of person who likes to be in control of my health, emotions, what I do at home-work-or in the community.
When you have cancer, the control is taken away from you and you seem to be at the mercy of the next tests.
If you don't have a support group targeted just for cancer and survivors, I urge you to search for one. Family, friends, church, work...can support you; but only someone who has experienced the somewhat weird feelings that come with cancer can say, "I went thru that, and this is how I dealt with it," or "You're not crazy."

I hope this helps-just knowing that anxiety with tests is normal. It's not the test, per se, it's that you need to have them and what the results may bring.
Good luck and hang in there.
Donna
p.s Time to get test results. It all depends on how soon after the test they can be read by the radiologist and transcribed and sent to the oncologists office. You wouldn't want to go in 1-2 days later and be told the results aren't back, would you? Even with electronic storage and transfer, some places are not up to speed with the federal law that gives a 2012 deadline for it. And even if you will not be seeing the Dr., but a nurse, the staff will have to review each patient's reports to ensure procedure and any changes in treatment are agreed upon.
My oncology nurse knows that I pretty much understand the terms and vocabulary in a report, so I can call her and get a verbal summary within a couple of days. Then go in for the appointment, usually 1 week from the CT, to discuss everything, do labs, health update, get a copy of the test results and set up the next appointment.

icemantoo said:

Sorry,
I may have been a little glib in my answer trying to inject a little levity to bring up the spirits. Please do not be offended. Humor is my way of trying to get thru this. While I seem to be clear of the Cancer issues I still have problems with Kidney function which I have addressed in another post today. May everyone find their way to get thru RCC and other related issues whether it be thru support of others in ths group, family support, mentor and caregiver support, prayer, a little humor or whatever combination of these resouces or whatever works for each one of us.

lbinmsp said:

After 10 years
I still get the nervous nellies before my appointments.

lbinmsp said:

You're right
Normally at about the 5 year mark if you remain cancer free, they end the scans. However, I've had one recurrance of the RCC and a very early breast cancer in between. The NCCN guidelines, based on the recurrance, indicate that I am supposed to have yearly blood work and scans pretty much for the rest of my life. My doctors are diligent and want to ensure that I keep on keeping on (which is what I want too)! Once a year is tolerable - kinda like the dreaded mammo! But I do get the twitters just before. OH and also, they do blood work just before the scans to ensure my remaining kidney is healthy enough for the dye.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother! Whispering a litle prayer for her (and you)!