Pet scan is scheduled getting nervous

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 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 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:)