Waiting for CT scan results, terrified

Hello nurses. Could you help me. Every time my phone rings (it's been a week and a bit since my CT scan) my heart rate goes above 130bpm. It feels like I'm going to have heart attack. Can you help take the news better please? I'm losing weight drastically and my night sweats are bad. They scan my chest, thorax and pelvis with contrast!

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry about what you are going through right now and I can appreciate waiting for CT scan results especially when you are already feeling unwell can very stressful. Our minds often imagine the worst possible scenario.

    I know it's easier said than done but try and take it one step at a time until you know more. Some people find talking it through with family and friends and keeping busy can sometimes help. Also try and focus on what you can control right now by eating a good diet, getting enough rest, and doing some gentle activities that you enjoy, The NHS website has some useful tips on breathing exercises for stress that you might find helpful.

    I hope you know more soon. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

  • Thank you for replying. It's just that I can't control my heart rate. When I got the positive result of my FIT test my heart rate just went crazy. I think if I hear the news I have cancer my heart won't be able to take it. I'm sick with worry.