Newly diagnosed and having panic attacks.

The CT scan isn't so bad, it's not at all like an MRI where you're in an enclosed space, you're in a room with it moving around you. Speak to them if you're feeling anxious and to the doctor beforehand as they might be able to give you something to help you feel calmer and can explain the process, but they'll do that on the day too. There was no history of it in my family either. Honestly compared with an MRI, the CT scan was fine. I remember thinking that I felt like I was in something out of Star Trek, but the contrast made me feel a bit spacey. There were definitely worse parts of the diagnosis process than the CT scan. It's so hard coming to terms with it at first, you're bound to be a bit up and down, but you can do this, one step at a time and however you are feeling, that's okay. I kept bursting out laughing telling people, because it was so ridiculous, and then crying when alone.

Hello....I'm sorry you have found yourself here but welcome.

This is a scary time. Somehow once treatment can start, most of us agree, having a plan puts us in control.

I am not type 1 diabetic but my OH is. We both think it's very important you discuss your bc diagnosis with your diabetic specialist as well as oncology. I remember OH saying how difficult he would have found days when I didn't want to eat or couldn't have any exercise. Also I know stress will raise your sugar levels and certainly the next few weeks will be stressful. OH suggested that Diabetes UK might have seperate advice for cancer patients or a chat line you can ask others how they coped with both conditions.

The technicians should help you with your fear of the scanning machines . I have never had a scan where I wasn't asked if I was claustrophobic.  I always close my eyes before entering the machine and attempt to doze. Several have given me music to listen to. All of them have had a buzzer I could alert them if I felt unable to continue. It doesn't take very long and the reassurance of especially the TEP scan which tells them exactly where you have cancer.....mine was nowhere as I had already had a lumpectomy which successfully removed the tumour.

I hope all goes well for you. If you want to chat more to others with lots of differing experiences the Awake thread is a good place to introduce yourself. There you will find empathy however you are feeling as there is almost always someone popping online. 

Finally just in case it encourages you that treatment today can be very successful.....my own cancer was in 2015 and I have been clear since treatment.

Take care and keep in touch.

Hi Dee , I’m so sorry you find yourself here but well done for reaching out . I think al lot of us will empathise with your anxiety and we’ve all been on Google and thought the worst .

It’s the not knowing that’s terrible . I’m having a CT scan for radiotherapy soon but from what I’ve seen , the machine doesn’t look claustrophobic.
i had an MRI too but compared to the normal MRI where you lie on your back (  had one a few years ago) the  breast one wasn’t too bad . 

Can your Gp give you something for anxiety ? For the 1st few  days , I thought I might need something but once the treatment started , I felt a lot calmer . 

I never did start but perhaps some breathing exercises to help when you get really anxious?

sending a hug x

Thanks for replying. I attempted to go for the scan but when they showed me the machine I burst into tears and had to be helped out. I have been to my GP and he's given me something to calm me down and I've booked a massage to relax, but I fear it's not enough, the thought of getting into the machine still brings on panic. I know how important it is. I feel I'll be living under a death sentence if I don't have it but I don't know if I can. I'm fine in my head about the surgery, they've told me I need a full mastectomy, and Im scared of chemo but that doesn't bring on panic. I've  tried breathing techniques but they haven't worked for me. I may help if I could take hubby with me but he was told he'd have to wait outside. 

Can you ask if they can give you something to take the edge off the anxiety ? Have you got a breast care nurse to speak to ?

I don’t think you’re allowed anybody in with you on scans , radiation risk . 

My GP has given me something to calm me down for the scan (diazepam) hope it works. I have spoken to the breast care nurses here but there not very quick at getting back to you, phoned and left 3 messages before I got a call back. She was very nice but I feel no one knows exactly how I feel.

With the pet/CT scanner is it just the doughnut that moves or the whole tunnel ?

I haven’t had my PET scan yet . It’s booked for 29 th April . I’m sure someone wise can on here will advise . TBH , I don’t find my BCN very helpful either . I asked her one question and she was vercurt

Hi Dee, I'm so sorry you find yourself here and are so stressed. The CT scan is really not so bad. I am also claustrophobic but did cope. A brain MRI was much trickier for me. It's my daughter, not me, who has cancer and I know she would say that this time (before you have a treatment plan) is the worst.

Take the diazepam before your appointment and try whatever works best for to keep calm - visualisation, breathing exercises. Tell the staff how nervous you are. You can do it - very best of luck. Sending a hug x

I’m about to start my 2nd journey into the world of cancer, horrid thing has reappeared.   I hated PET Scan first time around but going armed this time with tranquillisers from my doctor.    Last time I was one big panic attack.  It helps to shut your eyes send do some deep breathing if you can. hope it goes wll.

Could you tell me more about the scanner itself, how much goes over you, is it the whole machine or just the ring. Had a bad experience with  an MRI scan left me terrified of getting stuck in the machine. Would like to know more about the CT scanner. I've been told it's easier but sill looks like a tunnel which terrifies me.