Post Treatment Scans

Scanioty~
I finished my last treatments July '09 and when I had my first CT scan I was a mess. As I went to more, it was still stressful. I brought this question up to my group therapy here, (knowing many have been out of treatments for years) -- they all tell me, it just doesn't go away...so accept scanioty!! They suggested I keep myself busy with movies, books, etc, anything to distract my mind for days before getting results from doctor.

It helped me, as the last CT scan I had in March, I was much calmer and just went with the flow of the moment. Breathe in deep and try to re-direct your thinking...it might help!

Best to you~
Jan

kansasgal said:

Post-treatment scan anxiety
I finished my treatment early October 2009 and had my 1st CT in early November. Had another in January. Just had one earlier this month. Lucky for me I had my annual exam with my PCP the day following the scan. I was actually at her office when she received a copy of the results. I'm still NED!!! I must admit that I burst into tears when she gave me the news. It was another week before I saw the gyn/onc who had ordered the scan.

I was a basket case due to anxiety for at least 3 weeks prior to the scan. I barely slept because I was so wound up. My blood pressure and pulse were running much higher than usual. I had large dark circles under my eyes and I was snippy and grouchy with my family. I cried easily and for no apparent reason.

By the time I met with the gyn/onc my BP and pulse had dropped back to my normal levels, and I was sleeping soundly all night. I was cheerful and laughing with my family. Plans for a summer vacation are now in the works. Ahhh....

I expect I will again be a basket case in a year in anticipation of my next CT. My next pelvic with the gyn/onc is in 4 months, but those don't cause me the extreme anxiety.

Hugs to all from Sally

I cried DURING my last PET/CT; I was that unglued.
The pre-scan and pre-results of cancer monitoring scans are just horrible. I am usually so good at pushing back anxiety and hanging on to my 'cool'. But the built up stress and fear of scan results can break down the strongest of us; that's for sure.

CONGRATULATIONS, Sally, (HUGE HAPPY DANCING CONGRATS!!) on the clear scan! Dance on and on with good ol' NED and then send him my way for my May 17th CT/PET, okay? Looks like I will continue to get scans every 3 months, and I feel like my life is measured in 3-month increments. Anyone else feel that way?

lindaprocopio said:

I cried DURING my last PET/CT; I was that unglued.
The pre-scan and pre-results of cancer monitoring scans are just horrible. I am usually so good at pushing back anxiety and hanging on to my 'cool'. But the built up stress and fear of scan results can break down the strongest of us; that's for sure.

CONGRATULATIONS, Sally, (HUGE HAPPY DANCING CONGRATS!!) on the clear scan! Dance on and on with good ol' NED and then send him my way for my May 17th CT/PET, okay? Looks like I will continue to get scans every 3 months, and I feel like my life is measured in 3-month increments. Anyone else feel that way?

ct scans
I am with you on that note Linda, we live free for 2.5 months then all hell breaks loose. I am waiting on my results as I type this. I had it on Tues. My whole body goes into this frenzy and until I know the results it doesn't stop. I have had 6 rounds of Doxil and I hate it with a passion. The side effects didn't bother me until around the 4th time and now it's the blisters and intense itching of the one foot with each round. I was wondering about your hair progress, how is it going?
Sharon

lindaprocopio said:

Today I had a tinge of pink on my toilet paper.
Talk about FEAR! That little pink tinge will haunt me until I get my scan results. I had the same thing happen about 10 days ago; a tiny tinge of blood. Called my oncologist; he didn't seem concerned and just said "we'll keep an eye on it". Still it was terrifying to me. Then it didn't happen again until today. I have researched relentlessly and can't tell if this is a symptom of another recurrence or just because my tissue is thin and fragile from the radiation. But I never had any spotting or 'pink TP' all this time, even after sex, so it's hard to not let the worry flare up. I don't have my next internal exam until May 24th, a week after my May 17th CA125 blood draw and CT/PET. Anyone know for sure if my fear is warranted?

As far as my hair: it's a fuzzy 1/4" shadow of thin Troll Doll hair with a lot of scalp visible still. More white hair than last time, and just as unnnaturally soft as I remember from last time. But my lashes and brows are back!

Linda
Sending hugs

I too always look waiting to see something unexpected. Hopefully and I am sure it will be a non event. Try not to worry....

Glad to hear about the lashes...I have like 4 on my bottom lid....and guard them like gold!

Hang in!

Laurie

nempark said:

jazzy you are always there
Jazzy you are always there for every one thanks. How long after chemo do I have to continue doing scans and does the Insurance continue to pay for these scans? Do you know?
Here's a joke for you the hospital that I had my surgery is covered under my insurance and also the surgeon. But I was later informed that the pathologist and the anesthesiologist are not covered and also many other specialists who had to look at some readings. (what a joke) so now I am stuck with a number of bills that are not covered by the insurance totaling to about 12,000).

Insurance....wow!
After my last treatment my oncol informed me I'll have every 3 months pelvic exams and blood work and every 6 mos CAT-scans. Now if something starts to show up on a time when don't have scan, then he'll do a scan. Trying to avoid less radiation from the scans so every 6 mos is better vs. every 3 mos.... Must do this for 2 years and then he'll back off to what timeframe I'm not sure.

Oh my gosh on the huge bill. That's the problem when you go in for surgery, you're not sure what docs are in the surgery room or doing the after care with biopsy and drugs. You can assume they're all under your insurance. Could you ask before any treatments if your insurance will cover it, as usually they know the other pathologists and anesthesiologists who are involved and coverage issues. Just a suggestion!!

I'd like to give you a suggestion on the 12K you must pay. Call each of them and tell them you had no clue not part of the insurance coverage and if they'll work with you on lowering their charges. Then see what that comes up to and then ask for very low monthly payments. Use the Oh I've got cancer and can't work, as they might be sympathetic. One last idea, if you call and ask for the bill to be lowered, then ask if you pay the balance in full now, what will they lower it to. But..you have to have the $$ now to pay.

I've got a very large deductible as hubbie and I are self-employed -- $10K. So I was out of pocket on all the $10K. Most of them are paid off but a few still paying at $25 per month. The crazy part is they aren't even calling since it's been a year, and asking for more per month.....hum?

Did you check with your doc oncologist, as many have non-for-profit org. which help with people and insurance. I wasn't as successful as not as much funding on uterine, but you might have success. Never know until you try!

Good luck!
Jan

lindaprocopio said:

Today I had a tinge of pink on my toilet paper.
Talk about FEAR! That little pink tinge will haunt me until I get my scan results. I had the same thing happen about 10 days ago; a tiny tinge of blood. Called my oncologist; he didn't seem concerned and just said "we'll keep an eye on it". Still it was terrifying to me. Then it didn't happen again until today. I have researched relentlessly and can't tell if this is a symptom of another recurrence or just because my tissue is thin and fragile from the radiation. But I never had any spotting or 'pink TP' all this time, even after sex, so it's hard to not let the worry flare up. I don't have my next internal exam until May 24th, a week after my May 17th CA125 blood draw and CT/PET. Anyone know for sure if my fear is warranted?

As far as my hair: it's a fuzzy 1/4" shadow of thin Troll Doll hair with a lot of scalp visible still. More white hair than last time, and just as unnnaturally soft as I remember from last time. But my lashes and brows are back!

Fear?
Linda,

I know your hair is slowly coming in, but the wig is just great! It looks so natural and the color is great with your skin coloring. Nice to have a change from your regular style isn't it? My wig was thick and stacked in the back as my real hair is very thin. I'll have to get around to posting a picture of ME....work on that next.

You know I'd be scared too if saw the spotting, as that's what started my cancer symptoms. I'd go back to the earlier days of oh no here we go again. Interesting how you doc just claims to watch the symptoms. Heck he must know more than we do....think? That "doctor" before his name does give him more authority.

Hang in there and don't think about it too much. Easier said than done I know.

Jan