Eastendgirl dreading the CT scan I got a letter today telling me what there scanning for abdomen pelvis thorax with contrast dreading it it says it takes an hour that includes 30 min of preparation
Okay....the staff, technicians and nurses deal with patients who are nervous, terrified and going through the worst time in the lives..every single day, multiple times a day, they will support you, be caring and understanding..they will reassure you, explain every step of the process...they understand how you are feeling and will offer empathy, knowing how scared you are.. if you can breathe.. slowly in your nose and gently out of your mouth, it will make a real difference to you..concentrate on your breathing, not on what's going on around you..focus your mind somewhere else, somewhere special to you, close your eyes and listen to my voice..I will be talking to you..in situations like this, I go to the beach, a quiet deserted beach, I can hear the gentle lapping of the waves, the breeze in the palm trees, a distant bird call and feel myself drifting into a place filled with peace and calm..you got this tango, we've got this..
Eastendgirl. Thank you. I’m just a wreck I appreciate you taking the time to reply it means a lot. Will be glad when it’s over I will be ok just feeling down with every thing. Thank you for been there. Xxx
James4000 hi James how are you doing hope your ok I had my CT scan today wasn’t as bad as I thought scan didn’t take long. My arms are a right bruised mess with them trying to find a vain to put cannula in they tried 4 different sites to put it in got it in at last so what comes next I’m not sure I guess just wait again let us know how things are going for you lots of love xx
I'm due to have my 3rd scan- PET - today after it was rearranged from a week ago.
Sorry, been quiet on here these past few days. Been feeling pretty good. A bit of a pause between scans and some time passing making me feel a bit more positive.
Am nervous about the PET scan. Will be there for hours and they inject you with low radiation. But I hear it's nothing to worry about. I imagine the MDT will then re-review my case next Friday inc the PET scan. It's to look at some lymphs near the tumour so they can determine if they should do some oncology or go straight to surgery. I'm stressed about those next steps but trying not to to look too far ahead. And I am reassured that whichever pathway the medics want to take, it should lead to treatment, cure and hopefully in time total recovery.
James4000 I’m pretty sure the pet scan will be ok it’s all ways the thought of going and waiting at least after that they will have a plan that’s right for you hope all goes well for you will be thinking about you. X
James4000 glad it wasn’t too stressful at least now your on the right path to getting things done what is a PET scan is it simllar to all the other scans with contrast. Keep in touch with us and I’m thinking of you x
Hi tangoPotter.. scans, whether CT/MRI are able to look inside our body, giving more information than xrays. The use of contrast [dye] enhances/highlights the organ or structure needed for diagnosis, treatment and care.. an incredible development in medical research. The C.T is often referred to as the 'Polo' due to the shape and structure. Very often used when a specific part of the body needs to be viewed..Where an MRI is a tube that the whole body is able to be scanned.. neither of them cause pain or discomfort.. the MRI makes a lot of noise and very often the patient is offered ear defenders to wear along with a choice of music.. I have found it better to close my eyes for MRI and concentrate on my special place... the anticipation is worse than the procedure.
CT. Quick. The injected a dye, which felt a bit cold and metallic
MRI. The worst for me simply because it went on for 45-60mins.
PET. Daunting when they tell you they're injecting you with radiation. But there are no side effects (they said said) and I felt fine. The radio half life is so short is has gone within 4-6 hrs.
I was told the PET gives a more detailed, coloured image, as the radioactive injection attaches to various muscles etc, showing up a clear internal image. The MRI image is more like an ultrasound image for pregnancy.
None of the scans hurt or had any side effects. It was just emotionally draining. I'm exhausted this afternoon.
Eastend, I agree with your advice. For PET and MRI i mostly closed my eyes and did some prayers and meditation.
Hi James4000.. that was my reason for replying to tangoPotter.. I realised you would be emotionally exhausted this afternoon, apologies for butting in, my concern was to reply in case you weren't able to xx
Don"t worry. Not butting in at all. I find it super helpful to read everyone else's experiences too. It's very validating and reassuring.
I know what you mean. Sometimes I want to write and read and research about the illness. Other times I don't want it on my mind at all. I seem to have achieved some kind of balance on that which works for me.
That balance is vital in my view, it's all too easy to research information, which can be helpful but other times, negative, distressing and very often not relevant for us..
I find recognised support groups the best option. Offering medical research and info along with personal experience from others.
Your body and mind need rest which I hope you are able to achieve, if only for a while x
Eastendgirl how are you love hope your doing ok. And hope your friend is ok too. Feeling a little low today some times in the early morning when I wake you every think floods your mind of what you have and what’s next some days it doesn’t bother me too much than other days it can be on my mind and feeling trapped with it Sorry for the rant but your brill to talk too xxx
