Scanxiety tips and tricks

Posted by isadora2021 @isadora2021, Jan 7 10:26pm

I was declared NED for stage 4 appendix cancer in mid 2022 after diagnosis in 2021. Treatment was brutal. I came through pretty much unscathed. Very lucky.

Since then I have regular PET-CT scans plus CEA blood tests. Initially that was 3 monthly but is now usually 4 monthly (but I’ve had one occasion when tests were brought forward to 2 months because something was not the same in my scans). Turned out to be nothing to worry about but just some inflammation in my colon resection site.

In a sense I now live 4 months to 4 months. My next tests are due next week and I can feel my anxiety rising, including in my dreams.

I know things can change for me “just like that”. My cancer isn’t curable under current science. I could have died “statistically” some time ago, but I plough on, making the most of each and every day. I’m doing well - except around scan times.

How do you all deal with your scanxiety?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Cancer Support Group.

my44 | @my44 | 6 days ago

In reply to @isadora2021 "@my44 Thank you and the same to you 🙏❤️‍🩹" + (show)

Thank you, @isadora2021.

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | 6 days ago

In reply to @lisay1 "You are such a trooper and so strong. My cancer was nothing compared to yours. I'm..." + (show)

@lisay1 Thank you 🙏 I think that’s the thing - to focus extra hard on just the here and now when the Scanxiety kicks in.

I have a great medical team who have been with me now for a few years. That helps too.

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | 6 days ago

In reply to @j0318 "This post is well-timed and appreciated as I have my scans again next week for CNS..." + (show)

@j0318 Wonderful attitude. Prayers for good results and thank you for sharing 🙏❤️‍🩹

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | 6 days ago

In reply to @my44 "Hi, @isadora2021, I understand the anxiety surrounding upcoming tests and scans. I, too, struggle with that...." + (show)

@my44 Thank you and the same to you 🙏❤️‍🩹

isadora2021 | @isadora2021 | 6 days ago

In reply to @hopenjoy2024 "I am sorry you are going through this. I believe is distract, distract, distract. The mind..." + (show)

@hopenjoy2024 So true. I think I do need a therapist to be able to talk freely. I think my family are in denial that I could possibly get sick again! I am so well. I can totally understand where they’re at. They went through my bad time with me and want to leave it in the rear view mirror. I wish I could keep my eyes focussed ahead too. I usually do - except around scan times 🥹

Finding the joy each day has been so helpful through treatment and recovery. I think that’s the thing: to focus even more heavily on that on the Scanxiety days.

my44 | @my44 | 6 days ago

Hi, @isadora2021,
I understand the anxiety surrounding upcoming tests and scans. I, too, struggle with that.
I hope that you can get some relief from this current bout of anxiety and pray that your upcoming tests next week yield good results for you. 🙏🏼

my44 | @my44 | 6 days ago

In reply to @j0318 "This post is well-timed and appreciated as I have my scans again next week for CNS..." + (show)

Hi, @j0318

Praying for a good report for your scans next week. 🙏🏼

LisaY1 | @lisay1 | 6 days ago

You are such a trooper and so strong. My cancer was nothing compared to yours. I'm sorry I don't have any great advice but keep up your positive attitude. I prayed a lot and did not think about the future. Today is today and I try to make the best of it.

Sending you hugs and strength. Keep fighting! Your amazing! 🌺

j0318 | @j0318 | 6 days ago

In reply to @hopenjoy2024 "I agree with the statistics, worry about one-you. And to add to the distract, imagine the..." + (show)

Yes I believe in the mind/body connection and that our cells are listening to all we think/say/feel - good or bad. Not an original concept I know and many members already practice visualization - but always worth repeating. 😊

hopenjoy2024 | @hopenjoy2024 | 6 days ago

In reply to @j0318 "This post is well-timed and appreciated as I have my scans again next week for CNS..." + (show)

I agree with the statistics, worry about one-you. And to add to the distract, imagine the best possible outcome and how you will feel. It’s your body that is letting you down, keep your mind strong if you can.