Scan Results on Tuesday
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Scan Results on Tuesday

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Scan Results on Tuesday

  • Post
    • July 24, 2011 at 6:15 pm
    Lisa13
    Participant

    I'm 2 days away from knowing how the dacarbazine is managing the small nodules in my lungs.  I was doing quite well until this morning, and then was plagued with major anxiety. Chest tightness, hard to breathe – you know, symptoms that might make you think bad things, but yesterday I had none of these symptoms. I'm very irritable and it's hard for me to focus and my heart is racing. This is my first post scan after first line treatment, so I've never felt this type of fear before.

    I'm 2 days away from knowing how the dacarbazine is managing the small nodules in my lungs.  I was doing quite well until this morning, and then was plagued with major anxiety. Chest tightness, hard to breathe – you know, symptoms that might make you think bad things, but yesterday I had none of these symptoms. I'm very irritable and it's hard for me to focus and my heart is racing. This is my first post scan after first line treatment, so I've never felt this type of fear before. I keep trying to tell myself that the melanoma has been growing slowly from April to June, so it's either continuing to grow slow, is stable or is starting to disappear.   Can you guess which one I pray for????  I wasn't going to come on here until I knew my results, but my anxiety is getting the best of me.

    I've also been thinking alot about these spots – most under 6mm, all of which havn't been biopsied to confirm melanoma. Even though most "tiny nodules" appear a bit bigger since the last scan in April, for all I know, a few of these may not have been melanoma (or at least this is what I tell myself).  As much as I want to know on Tuesday, I'm scared to know and I doubt this journey gets any easier.

    Lisa

Viewing 11 reply threads
  • Replies
      • July 24, 2011 at 6:26 pm
      Erinmay22
      Participant

      Lisa –

      Hang in there!  I know it's easier said than done…  but we all know your anxiety.  I have it daily – the breathing issues, tightness in the chest, heart racing.  When I start to feel that I try to find something that helps me focus on something else – taking pictures, exercising, walking my dogs…  because I find the more I sit and think about upcoming scans…  the less I can focus on anything else!

      Thinking of you!  Here's to great results on Tuesday! 

      Erin

      • July 24, 2011 at 6:26 pm
      Erinmay22
      Participant

      Lisa –

      Hang in there!  I know it's easier said than done…  but we all know your anxiety.  I have it daily – the breathing issues, tightness in the chest, heart racing.  When I start to feel that I try to find something that helps me focus on something else – taking pictures, exercising, walking my dogs…  because I find the more I sit and think about upcoming scans…  the less I can focus on anything else!

      Thinking of you!  Here's to great results on Tuesday! 

      Erin

        • July 24, 2011 at 6:36 pm
        jimjoeb
        Participant

        There were times when the fear came over me like a tsunami. My doctor advised me to take a medication for this. It was important when I needed it so that I could have a clear mind and could sleep. You may wish to speak to your doctor about this when you meet.

        If it were me today, I would take Erin's advice. If you're up to it, the physical exercise will help with your sleep tonight. Some other ideas, watch a movie that will make you laugh outloud. Try very hard not to do research on the internet for the rest of the day. If you must be on the computer, play a game that you enjoy. Listen to up beat music that you like, better still sing along and dance!

        I'll repeat something that a friend who is a cancer survivor as well shared with me:

        Yesterday is history; tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift; that's why it's called the present.

        Turn the computer off and go enjoy today!

        • July 24, 2011 at 6:36 pm
        jimjoeb
        Participant

        There were times when the fear came over me like a tsunami. My doctor advised me to take a medication for this. It was important when I needed it so that I could have a clear mind and could sleep. You may wish to speak to your doctor about this when you meet.

        If it were me today, I would take Erin's advice. If you're up to it, the physical exercise will help with your sleep tonight. Some other ideas, watch a movie that will make you laugh outloud. Try very hard not to do research on the internet for the rest of the day. If you must be on the computer, play a game that you enjoy. Listen to up beat music that you like, better still sing along and dance!

        I'll repeat something that a friend who is a cancer survivor as well shared with me:

        Yesterday is history; tomorrow a mystery. Today is a gift; that's why it's called the present.

        Turn the computer off and go enjoy today!

        • July 24, 2011 at 6:49 pm
        lhaley
        Participant

        I'm in 100% agreement with the others. Turn the computer off till you get the results.  I have my PEt scans and get my results the same day. They always give me my times and say go eat something before your appointment. ha ha, if I ate it would be lost.  Fear can be worse then knowing. 

        I am always as busy as possible starting about 3 days before the scans.  I've been known to read a book even while blowing dry my hair during those days.  I keep my mind as busy as I can be on other things.

        Keep your thoughts positive and enjoy your family the next few days.

        Sending hugs,

        Linda

        • July 24, 2011 at 6:49 pm
        lhaley
        Participant

        I'm in 100% agreement with the others. Turn the computer off till you get the results.  I have my PEt scans and get my results the same day. They always give me my times and say go eat something before your appointment. ha ha, if I ate it would be lost.  Fear can be worse then knowing. 

        I am always as busy as possible starting about 3 days before the scans.  I've been known to read a book even while blowing dry my hair during those days.  I keep my mind as busy as I can be on other things.

        Keep your thoughts positive and enjoy your family the next few days.

        Sending hugs,

        Linda

      • July 24, 2011 at 7:23 pm
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Lisa, Lisa,

      I know you took everyone's advice and have turned off the computer, so you won't read this till much later!

      Praying for you friend. Sending positive thoughts, vibes and all great things your way. Sit tight, Tuesday will get here on schedule and worrying isn't going to get it here any faster…will actually make it seem much slower getting here. Don't torture yourself, that's usually not very helpful.

      You've gotten great advice, I just want to let you know you've got another pray-er working on your behalf.

      Lord, in Your mercy You know what's going on with Lisa's nodules, how well her treatment's doing its job, and You hold Tuesday in Your hand. You're there already and You've got it covered and whatever is revealed will not catch You off guard. You've got Lisa's back. Praying that it's doing its job and doing it in abundance. Praying for calm in the storm. Praying for Your peace and power to hold her close and ease her fears. You've given her a beautiful family and day to enjoy! Help her enjoy it all! Thank You. Amen and Amen!

      Grace and peace Lisa,

      Carol

      • July 24, 2011 at 7:23 pm
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Lisa, Lisa,

      I know you took everyone's advice and have turned off the computer, so you won't read this till much later!

      Praying for you friend. Sending positive thoughts, vibes and all great things your way. Sit tight, Tuesday will get here on schedule and worrying isn't going to get it here any faster…will actually make it seem much slower getting here. Don't torture yourself, that's usually not very helpful.

      You've gotten great advice, I just want to let you know you've got another pray-er working on your behalf.

      Lord, in Your mercy You know what's going on with Lisa's nodules, how well her treatment's doing its job, and You hold Tuesday in Your hand. You're there already and You've got it covered and whatever is revealed will not catch You off guard. You've got Lisa's back. Praying that it's doing its job and doing it in abundance. Praying for calm in the storm. Praying for Your peace and power to hold her close and ease her fears. You've given her a beautiful family and day to enjoy! Help her enjoy it all! Thank You. Amen and Amen!

      Grace and peace Lisa,

      Carol

      • July 24, 2011 at 10:27 pm
      Teodora
      Guest

      Lisa,

      I don't know if it will be any consolation, but usualy around the days of my scans I am a total nerve wreck.I will have scans in September and I am already fretting and worrying about it,big time!

      I always say to my husband that even if you don't have cancer ,all this anxiety can get you one/just my dry  humor/………..

      So generally the scanxiety never goes away……….for none of us.I know it will not make it any easier ,but I know you know yourself better than anybody else and you know your best ways to cope with it.I believe you will have very good results  by the way.

      Say Hello to baby Isabella.

      Best wishes to you,

      Teodora

      • July 24, 2011 at 10:27 pm
      Teodora
      Guest

      Lisa,

      I don't know if it will be any consolation, but usualy around the days of my scans I am a total nerve wreck.I will have scans in September and I am already fretting and worrying about it,big time!

      I always say to my husband that even if you don't have cancer ,all this anxiety can get you one/just my dry  humor/………..

      So generally the scanxiety never goes away……….for none of us.I know it will not make it any easier ,but I know you know yourself better than anybody else and you know your best ways to cope with it.I believe you will have very good results  by the way.

      Say Hello to baby Isabella.

      Best wishes to you,

      Teodora

      • July 24, 2011 at 10:53 pm
      MichaelFL
      Participant

      Hi Lisa,

      No matter what happens in the next two days, forge on. Live every day to the fullest. Don't let melanoma interfere with living your life and enjoying all the blessings you have. Don't let it rob you of anymore than it already has. 

      If the dacarbazine is working-great! If not, don't let it discourage you. You already have your next two options mapped out. Move on to the next one if that is the case. You are young, so if needed, you can do Yervoy or IL-2 as you are young and strong, and can handle either one. Among others, look at Jane from Maine, Jim M. and Kim K. They all kicked it to the curb, with either IL-2 or Yervoy, and you can too!

      Never, ever give up hope.

      Never give up, never surrender. Tim Allen Galaxy Quest.

      Michael

      • July 24, 2011 at 10:53 pm
      MichaelFL
      Participant

      Hi Lisa,

      No matter what happens in the next two days, forge on. Live every day to the fullest. Don't let melanoma interfere with living your life and enjoying all the blessings you have. Don't let it rob you of anymore than it already has. 

      If the dacarbazine is working-great! If not, don't let it discourage you. You already have your next two options mapped out. Move on to the next one if that is the case. You are young, so if needed, you can do Yervoy or IL-2 as you are young and strong, and can handle either one. Among others, look at Jane from Maine, Jim M. and Kim K. They all kicked it to the curb, with either IL-2 or Yervoy, and you can too!

      Never, ever give up hope.

      Never give up, never surrender. Tim Allen Galaxy Quest.

      Michael

      • July 25, 2011 at 1:49 am
      King
      Participant

      Hi Lisa,

       

      Good thoughts and prayers are with you.  I have been dealing with melanoma for 7 years now and I become most anxious once the scans have been done and I don't have the results.  That's where you are right now.  You are much younger than I and see from your profile that you have a young child.  What helps me is spending as much time as possible with my 2 grandchildren…age 5 years and 20 months.  When I am with them, I don't have the time nor desire to think of anything else.

      I guess you'll figure out what works for you.  And I agree, that having a little Xanax or other anti-anxiety medication around to be taken at times like this is helpful.

      I hope someone supportive is with you on Tuesday when you get your results.

      We are here for you.  We understand.  Vent or post whenever you want or whenever you feels it's necessary.

      One day at a time.

       

      Stay Strong

      King

      Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

      • July 25, 2011 at 1:49 am
      King
      Participant

      Hi Lisa,

       

      Good thoughts and prayers are with you.  I have been dealing with melanoma for 7 years now and I become most anxious once the scans have been done and I don't have the results.  That's where you are right now.  You are much younger than I and see from your profile that you have a young child.  What helps me is spending as much time as possible with my 2 grandchildren…age 5 years and 20 months.  When I am with them, I don't have the time nor desire to think of anything else.

      I guess you'll figure out what works for you.  And I agree, that having a little Xanax or other anti-anxiety medication around to be taken at times like this is helpful.

      I hope someone supportive is with you on Tuesday when you get your results.

      We are here for you.  We understand.  Vent or post whenever you want or whenever you feels it's necessary.

      One day at a time.

       

      Stay Strong

      King

      Stage IV 7/05  Liver mets

      • July 25, 2011 at 6:09 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      Lisa, "scanxiety" is something that almost everyone here is very familiar with, either as
      a patient, caregiver or friend. Although it is normal to think of what might or might not
      be the result of the scan, I think that it is important not to let yourself be overwhelmed
      with the fear of the unknown.

      I just found the following saying in the latest church newsletter: "worrying does not take
      away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace". Therefore, please try to take your
      mind off things by doing something that you enjoy. I don't know if you have tried
      meditation or contemplative prayer, but I think that they can really help. Of course, many
      people find gentle exercise to be helpful as well.

      Wishing you good luck with the results on Tuesday.

      Frank from Australia

        • July 25, 2011 at 11:14 am
        Lisa13
        Participant

        Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. It's been a rough couple of days, but today is a better day.  What really set off the anxiety is I found what feels like a bump in my chin/neck area. You really have to dig deep for it, so I'm not even sure if it's a tendon, vein or something else. Tomorrow is almost here and I have to remain strong and hopeful. There are other options, but when you read these posts about people failing those other options, it really gets to you. 

        I'm doing what I can to keep my mind off tomorrow and will let you all know how things go.

        Lisa

        • July 25, 2011 at 11:14 am
        Lisa13
        Participant

        Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. It's been a rough couple of days, but today is a better day.  What really set off the anxiety is I found what feels like a bump in my chin/neck area. You really have to dig deep for it, so I'm not even sure if it's a tendon, vein or something else. Tomorrow is almost here and I have to remain strong and hopeful. There are other options, but when you read these posts about people failing those other options, it really gets to you. 

        I'm doing what I can to keep my mind off tomorrow and will let you all know how things go.

        Lisa

      • July 25, 2011 at 6:09 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      Lisa, "scanxiety" is something that almost everyone here is very familiar with, either as
      a patient, caregiver or friend. Although it is normal to think of what might or might not
      be the result of the scan, I think that it is important not to let yourself be overwhelmed
      with the fear of the unknown.

      I just found the following saying in the latest church newsletter: "worrying does not take
      away tomorrow's troubles; it takes away today's peace". Therefore, please try to take your
      mind off things by doing something that you enjoy. I don't know if you have tried
      meditation or contemplative prayer, but I think that they can really help. Of course, many
      people find gentle exercise to be helpful as well.

      Wishing you good luck with the results on Tuesday.

      Frank from Australia

Viewing 11 reply threads
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