First MRI Since Starting Nivo
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First MRI Since Starting Nivo

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › First MRI Since Starting Nivo

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    • May 31, 2018 at 9:05 pm
    AMcReader
    Participant

    My first brain MRI since starting Nivo in april quickly approaching (June 11). The full PET scan won’t be for a few weeks after that but since I’ve already had a brain met that was removed via craniotomy, I’m especially anxious for this first scan. Does anyone have any advice or insight into how you’ve managed “scanxiety”? After a few months of feeling relatively normal, melanoma is all I can think about for the past several days…

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      • May 31, 2018 at 9:36 pm
      Julie in SoCal
      Participant

      Oh Amanda, yes, scanxiety is a thing.  I especially have it before a brain MRI because I also hate the process.

      Everyone has his or her own ways to get through, and with experience, you will find yours.  But I find that leaning into my friends who get it and being kind to myself help.  I am also a Christian, so reminding myself that I am a child of a loving God who is with me even in an MRI tube also helps.  I have MRI songs, songs I sing (in my head not out loud that would sound awful and mess up the MRI) while in the tube and this helps me get through.

      Sorry I can't point you to a silver bullet for getting rid of scanxiety, but know you're not alone in it.

      Wishing you peace,
      Julie

        • June 1, 2018 at 5:19 pm
        AMcReader
        Participant

        Thank you so much, Julie! I’m trying to remind myself to be patient and kind to myself. The idea of having songs that you sing to yourself during the actual MRI is a fantastic idea! In my previous MRI’s I’d tried to go back to thinking through and reliving some of my happiest days, trips and memories.

        • June 1, 2018 at 6:59 pm
        Julie in SoCal
        Participant

        Reliving happy memories is a great idea!  I'll stick it into my tool box for dealing with MRIs!

        Thanks

        Julie

      • June 1, 2018 at 1:44 am
      MelanomaMike
      Participant

      Hi AMcReader, im mIke {pleasure meeting you}, when you say Scanxiety, are you referring to ClaustroPhobia? or the anxiety of waiting on yer Scan results? cuz if yer talkin Clustrophobia, im the King sorry to say, i know my desease wants me dead, but to earn the tittle of King one has to cancel upcoming scans cuz of fear of being in those damn "tubes" of death, im ok with CT Scans, but PET/CT COMBO AND MRI's i have a huge problem with, and yes i have Adivans at my disposal but, i start talking my self out of going usually hours before hand and its sad, i know those injections {contrast stuff}  are expensive and all, and to cancel my spot when someone else coullda went {i know i know i know}..my anxiety is out of control. I have surgeries licked, i can do those laying down {haha}, all my Infusions at my JuiceBar, no problem! bring it! but scans? oh no…and what sucks is, ITS IMPORTANT!! i have a MRI set for June 11th at 10pm so, ill be good and tired cuz its days end, plus ill be 3 Adivans to the wind! IM GUNNA DO IT!, i wish i could get hypnotized…

        • June 1, 2018 at 5:22 pm
        AMcReader
        Participant

        Hi Mike! I’ve been silently following your posts and love the personality, positivity and warmth you bring to each post! My pre-scan anxiety is really more about potential results, although I’m not the biggest fan of the actual process either. I’m happy to hear that you are definitely going through with your next MRI! Mine is on June 11 too, so I’ll be thinking of you that day and sending you all of the positive vibes I have!

        • June 1, 2018 at 5:33 pm
        GeoTony
        Participant

        Totally here you Mike, we all suffer in different ways, I have no issues with the PET/CT/MRI donuts, my next one is due 25th June, it's the actual injections that do it for me, I'm totally needle phobic, I've turned white and passed out twice so far, I'm usually sweating by the time they've taken blood or set the infusion up, once the needles in it's fine, you would think that after 18 months it would be easier, not a chance, its still terrifying…..

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