Feeling pretty anxious already for my next scan

[Pagola44]

I know everyone has 'scanxiety' but i'm starting to really suffer from it.

My next CT scan is in March 2025, which will be 1 year post treatment. My blood test has been fine, but it's never been bad, even when I was dragonised. So i don't find my blood tests that reassuring.

Even though it's still 3 months to go, I'm starting to get really really anxious. On my last scan, the oncologist said there were a few small 'dust like' spots on my lungs and not to be worried. But i've read and seen a lot of people who have been told not to worry but things ended up going south.

I just keep freaking out, expecting the worst. It makes me feel super anxious and a lot of dread.

[beach sunrise]

Most people have junk showing up on scans but when you have a cancer dx it is worrisome. I feel ya on that!
I have a scan Jan 6th. On last report, no mention of anything going on. When Germany reviewed the scan they noticed a "cloudy spot" in RLL. Suggested scan in 3 months to see if resolved or evolved into anything. So, I'm anxious too.
Just take it a day at a time tell you get the report. Harder said than done, I know. But try.

[utahgal7]

Pagola 44,

Beach sunrise is right about taking things one day at a time. It is important to stay present and to not think ahead. I would say to yourself, "Today, I am NED." Tell yourself this everyday. Because unless you are provided with information to the contrary, as far as you know, you are NED.

Another aspect to consider is the fact that we really don't have any control over what may or may not show up on scans. You have to look at the factors you can control. Are you eating healthy food daily (at least 5 servings of fruits/vegetables daily)? Are you exercising (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week)? Are you getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night? Are you refraining from alcohol and tobacco? Are you controlling your stress levels? These are all things all within your control. You can only worry about the things that you can control.

Good luck to you,

Paige

[zephyr]

This probably isn't very healthy, but it's a practical response for me. I tend to go to the worst outcome and work my way back. It goes something like this: ok, this is it, things are going south, and I have 3 months to prepare. What needs to be done before then in case I can't easily get it done after because of chemo schedules or whatever? Car maintenance? Probably don't want the car breaking down when you're least able to handle it. Maybe clean out old paperwork to make room for more later? Kitchen cabinets filled with expired cans and spices? In my case, I head to my guest room and start pulling out things to donate: clothes that haven't been worn in over a year, art supplies that aren't being used, small appliances I was sure I couldn't live without but only used once and then put on a shelf. I don't want my husband to have to deal with them later, or maybe another caregiver to be required to search through the unused to find what's needed. Again, maybe it's not a healthy response but at least I feel like I'm DOING something constructive. Plus it distracts me. It's a kind of I can't fix the cancer so what CAN I fix?

[JJH]

https://fightcolorectalcancer.org/blog/scanxiety-5-ways-to-deal/