Scanxiety

You'd think that when you are finished with treatment that life would return to normal and be easier, but it doesn't always seem that way.

Scanxiety is just one of those things that is part of the new normal we all have to cope with. The trick is to live the heck out of your life between scans and follow-up appointments because what else can you do? It takes a long time of NED to start trusting that maybe you are going to be ok, but there will always be some degree of anxiety as tests and check-ups loom large because you've lost that innocent belief that cancer happens to other people and not to you.

MAbound that was the best thing I have read today, or ever on being a cancer survivor .....thanks

I just had a scan this last week. Its been 3 and a half years and although th accual scan was ok, I am now a bit nervous for the results. I think your right also MA bound that anxiety is just part of having cancer. Sad but true.

MAbound said:

You'd think that when you are

You'd think that when you are finished with treatment that life would return to normal and be easier, but it doesn't always seem that way.

Scanxiety is just one of those things that is part of the new normal we all have to cope with. The trick is to live the heck out of your life between scans and follow-up appointments because what else can you do? It takes a long time of NED to start trusting that maybe you are going to be ok, but there will always be some degree of anxiety as tests and check-ups loom large because you've lost that innocent belief that cancer happens to other people and not to you.

It is different for us women who have recurred.  Then, you are told that you are treatable but not curable.  So scanxiety hits overdrive.  I've had this disease going on 15 years in August.  I've lost count of the imaging I've had in those 15. years  To me, looming scans have been like waiting for the governor to grant you a reprieve when you are on death row.  The most recent was 10 days ago, and I actually was noticeably more under control.  I got snippy and snappy a few times but I've been to therapists and am surrounded by very supportive and empathetic folks, and I hope I have finally reached a place where I can be more serene and allow myself to have faith that science will keep me alive for awhile.  My single pulmonary nodule is still growing but not big enough yet to biopsy.  At the rate it's going maybe I can get a biopsy in December.  I really feel like I'm embarking on a 6 month vacation (rather "staycation"); I'm happy and engaged in home improvement and gardening projects.  There's no one I'd rather be homebound with than my darling hubby.  I miss traveling but I'm not going to be a Covid volunteer to get sick to promote herd immunity, thank you.  I'm surprised by my attitude.  I believe that I can be treated when the time comes and I'll reclaim NED status for the 4th time.  So, I agree with MABound.  Living well and allowing yourself to be entertained are good coping mechanisms.  Easier said than done but well worth the effort.  Fluff, best wishes for the wait until your scan, and all of us here, I have no doubt, are sending out positive vibes for a good result.  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

ETA 15 years, not 20 (which I fully intend to ring in also!)

I think of scans as my friend as I would not be here today if not for them. That appears to be the only way one can find out what is going on with me. I have one due in June and actually look forward to getting it and the result. That way the doc and I stay ahead of the game.

Donna Faye said:

scans are my friend

I think of scans as my friend as I would not be here today if not for them. That appears to be the only way one can find out what is going on with me. I have one due in June and actually look forward to getting it and the result. That way the doc and I stay ahead of the game.

What a wonderful way of looking at scans! Information is just that: information. It's what we do with it that matters and we always have a vote! Bravo for your positive attitude!

CheeseQueen57 said:

I hope the best for you

Despite my current situation, Megace bought me 3 years of NED which is almost unheard of. I wish you at least that and more b

That is what I am hoping. Hoping the combo is working for you, too.

Donna Faye said:

scans are my friend

I think of scans as my friend as I would not be here today if not for them. That appears to be the only way one can find out what is going on with me. I have one due in June and actually look forward to getting it and the result. That way the doc and I stay ahead of the game.

Seriously, I have strived to adopt your attitude.  Like they say...fake it till you make it!  Best wishes, Oldbeauty

Theskinnyscot said:

Scanxiety +++

trying to enjoy my 60th birthday today but.. I have my first CT scan after treatment tomorrow. The part I am freeking out about is the contrast dye, at least for now, but if that goes well then I will freek out for the appt with my oncologist the next day. I have to premedicate with steroids and benydril as I have had a reaction to the dye before. I have zero confidence as they keep giving contradictory instructions. They want to do a chest ct and a pelvic/abdominal ct. When I asked about the timing of the doses of methylpredisone they couldn't give me a straight answer!! It says take first dose 12hrs before injection and second 2hrs prior with food. Then they said don't eat anything for at least 4hrs before drinking the dye but be sure to hydrate for at least 6hours prior. Still with me? I asked at what point/ time they would do kidney function test, the dye is harsh on kidneys especially if you have had kidney issues before. They said they would draw blood when I got there which is when they said I would start drinking the 32oz of the dye solution!? Because it must be drunk 1 hour before the CT for pelvis/abdomen. Injection of dye for chest CT? If you don't hear from me again it will be due to this.

Happy Birthday! So sorry you are having to deal with the anxiety. Scanxiety is hard enough but it sure sounds like you have extra issues to cause concern. Please come back and let us know you made it through safely. I'll be thinking of you and sending major cyber hugs your way.

Love and Hugs,

Cindi

Fridays Child said:

Happy Birthday!

First of all, congratulations on your 60th birthday, and may you have many more.

As for the CT, yes, the premedicatioin is a pain.  I have to do that, too.  The stuff that I have to drink is one type of contrast, and then they do one scan without the IV contrast, then do the IV contrast and do another scan.  For me it's two separate types of contrast. 

I also had a reaction long ago so have to take the prednisone and benadryl.  The schedule they give me is:

13 hours prior to scan, first dose of prednisone

7 hours prior to scan, second dose of prednisone

1.5 hours prior to scan, drink first bottle of contrast (I reached the point I couldn't tolerate the barium so now I take one called Breeza.  Easier to drink, but still feel lousy for days after)

1 hour prior to scan, third dose of prednisone, plus the benadryl.

Half hour prior to scan, drink half of second bottle on the way, then finish after arrival when they tell me to drink it.

They do the blood test for kidney function when they put in he IV for the contrast.

As for eating, I think (can't find instructions) they say not to eat anything for 6 hours prior to the scan.  I can have clear liquids until time to start drinking the contrast, after which I can't drink anything but it. My prednisone instructions do not say to take it with food.

 

Your instructions are slightly different since it sounds like you only take two doses of prednisone.  I hope you can get some clarity before time to do anything!  I think my scanxiety has more to do with the pre-meds and the subsequent side effects from the whole procedure than it does worryhing about the results - although there is a bit of that as well!

Best of luck to you!  Hope to hear from you afterwards that everything was good.

 

 

Thank you Friday's child, I think I read that methylpredisone is more potent than prednisone but don't quote me, I have been reading so much. I am so annoyed as this could be avoided if my doctor had just requested a pet scan instead, I know it is more radiation but I think I would take that trade off. I am ready to tell them to forget about it if they don't clarify things when I get there tomorrow. Thank you for letting me get this off my chest, I think it helps.