Scanxiety

Hi Feather,

Yes, I remember you from a little while back, lovely to read a post from you again, hope you are getting on okay.

Ah, scanxiety, it's all too real, isn't it? I think bearing in mind you are now 18 months down the road and all is going well for you so far the scan is just to check that your healing is progressing as they'd expect. Have you had any other appointments with oncologist? I had the lovely DRE every three months, and I still do - except now they are becoming a bit less frequent. I know you won't be able to relax fully until it's all done, but it sounds as though things are going to plan for you.

When you are hyper aware like you are right now, everything makes you twitchy. I remember having a bit of an itch just above my bottom and thinking 'Oh no!! Is this it back??' and I'm sure everyone who has had cancer of any type feels like this occasionally, and your symptoms sound quite typical for AC. If you are really worried about it, then ring up and speak to someone for a bit of reassurance.

So you are not going crazy! It sounds as though you are doing really well. We are all anxious at scan time. Please stay in touch and let us know how it goes.

xx

Thanks so much for replying. 99% of the time I feel like I'm doing ok then I have these times of sheer panic. I have seen the doctor every three months since treatment finished and had a clear scan in January. It's just an emotional time and a constant reminder isn't it. Ill be forever grateful to this forum for providing such support and encouragement. X

Hello Feather 653

It is lovely to hear from you again, although I am sorry that it is scan time again - I find I have one and the next one is looming before I have had time to relax!  And not only that, in the lead up to the scan, I develop all these symptoms, aches and pains, every single time.  And each time, the scans are fine.  So I hear you, the mind can be very cruel and the scanxiety goes through the roof.  But I always say, if the day comes and they say no more scans, then I will be worrying that something is developing and definitely will be missed!  I think it is the legacy of a cancer diagnosis, unfortunately.

I will be thinking of you and hoping all goes well - please let us know how you get on.

Big hug

Irene xx

Hi Feather 653 ,

Yes, yes, yes the scanxiety IS real! 

I used to find prior to surveillance appointments, scans etc., something would always go sideways! I’d suffer difficult bowel movements which would kick off a whole load of inflammation or a bleeding episode or my skin would flare up & now 7 years on I’m convinced it was mostly down to stress!

It’s no good anyone telling you to try & relax as that’s almost impossible isn’t it? so instead I’ll reassure you that you’re not going crazy, how you’re feeling is completely normal & I empathise with you. Also the stress will wear you out so that’s probably where the tiredness is coming from. 

I hope your upcoming appointment goes well. 

Nicola 

Thanks so much for replying. I always used to trust my body implicitly and I feel like the relationship is terse at the minute. Thanks so much.