I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis.  I too have just been advised it's cancer.   It's quite a shock and understandably denial is a natural response (for me anyway).   Mt tip is to take a day at a time.  No point worrying before the scan.  The results can take a while too so don't waste that time.worrying.   MRIs are not painful.  Yiu get to lie down (as a mum that was nice!)  I closed my eyes each time to just meditate/relax through it.  No point staring at a bit of machinary.   I ensured I had some of.my favourite songs in my head to just distract myself (cos your mind goes blank when you try to think of something to sing!) Unless you want the team to play some music for you.  So once in, just lie still, relax and do as they ask.  The MRI is the easy bit.  Fingers crossed for good news for you.