Scared for next steps

@janetnd I also keep my eyes closed once getting positioned. Have a plan. When I was told the MRI would take 20 minutes, and they gave me headphones with music, i thought I could relax and listen to 7 songs. Just 7 songs.
I counted the first 3 but realized I was fine and didn’t need to count how many more songs were played.
One MRI I had they didn’t play music. So I sang songs to myself, and also counted backwards from 100 by 3s (a challenge I had to concentrate on).
You could also tell yourself the storyline of your favorite movie or book.

Realize that you’ll probably get distracted and start wondering if the MRI is going okay, and when is it going to be over. That happens. It’s when it happens, reassure yourself it will be over soon, and what was that thing you were going to challenge yourself to think about . . .

I’m pretty sure you’ve done harder things. You can do this!

Thank you. That picture is very helpful.

Thank you. You’ve made me feel better. 🙂 I love your ideas.

I’m claustrophobic too. The first time I had to take Benadryl to stay calm. But then I found facing down position with my eyes closed very helpful. I didn’t need any medication for the next 2 times.

That is so encouraging. Thank you.

Sometimes they can play music during the MRI. This might sound weird but I asked for classical. Turned out to be the exact same group I listen to on Calm, which is a relaxation app. Gave me something else to think about!

The stereotactic breast biopsy is a lot like a mammogram. I was seated and they numb the site, and then a needle goes in. You don’t feel it. But I was fascinated by the sight of my cells spinning into the tube off to the left. We’re so lucky to have this instead of the old cut in and look around.

I know how you feel. I was 65 when I was diagnosed and up until that time, I had never had a surgery or any hospital stays. I still had (and still do have) my tonsils for goodness sake! I am now 71 and went through chemo radiation and surgery. Needless to say, I was scared out of my wits. Thank God for my husband. He was beside me the whole way. However, the doctors and nurses were wonderful. They were more than happy to help and guide me. Trusting in your doctors and the people you love really helps.

I know it feels. I won't sugarcoat it. I cried in bed for a few days when my ultrasound came back. Honestly it was not that I might die (since that is inevitable at some point --with or without cancer and you never know when) but cried out of fear of cancer treatments. I tried to keep up on my faith, going to church, reading bible, etc. to take focus off of me and my Earthly in my head moments but I still struggled. Since my diagnosis, I have had one issue after another ..infections, breast abcess, postponed surgery, surgery pathology--general decisions along the way and additional scares. Last night as I read my path report, I cried so much that I ran out of tears. Today I got up and decided I need to stop wasting everyday in fear and just try to do a few things here and there without pushing myself into any expectations. I have to do what I should do and not what I feel like doing, which is laying in bed all day and doing nothing. Lord, I know it is so hard and my heart goes out to you. Please keep in mind that this is a phase and a journey. Statistically, you will get through what you need to get through but in the meantime there will be times it sucks, but try to do something even if you don't feel like it. It is ok to cry, vent, be sad, etc. but just make sure you don't stay there. In the words of Jelly Roll --I'm not ok, but its all gonna ba alright:)

I hope I didn’t hijack the OP’s original post but wanted to pop in to say that I got through the MRI with flying colors, thanks to all of your encouragement and suggestions (and a little Xanax). As many have said, it’s the unknown that’s the scariest part. I hope that as I tick off each of these procedures that had me so anxiety ridden, and see that I am, in fact, able to get through them, I’ll get stronger and better able to face what is next.