Newly Diagnosed, couple of questions + also question about PET CT scan and claustrophobia

Hi PhillipaC

Im sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  I can totally relate to your fear of scans as I failed one too. I had a big panic attack and that combined with the stress of the diagnosis was just too much so please don’t be too hard on yourself. My GP prescribed me diazepam in liquid form and I find it really helps taken about half an hour before the scan, I also ask for calming music. I found the MRI scanner worse than the PET for me. 

I wanted to work and physically probably could have managed it but emotionally and especially with having a long chemo day think it is wise to take the time off and take care of yourself but totally understand the financial worry, Macmillian have the helpline that could give you benefit advice or if you have a local maggies centre they may be able to help as PIP and contribution based ESA are both not means tested but I’m not sure of the timescales for applying but they could help you.

Wishing you lots of luck for your scan and treatment x

hi

welcome to the online community, sorry you've had to come and find us.

firstly try and focus on the fact these scans are vital, the surgeons and the rest of the team can't do their jobs without them

I hate having mammograms, I'm from the breast group, but I understand that this is the most cost effective way for the NHS to keep an eye on us, it's not ideal but it's what we've got. 

I was given 1 lorazepam tablet to put under my tongue whilst having a PICC line fitted and it worked, not sure why you're having to go and get your own prescription but at least the GP won't be able to tut and lecture you on the potential for addiction etc.  I had one GP tell me he wouldn't give me anything but then handed me a prescription for anti histamines on the basis they make you drowsy, I'm not sure which medical school he attended. 

I'm with you 100% on the fact married women are suddenly supposed to rely on their husbands when sick or incapacitated, despite paying taxes to secure payments in times of need or hardship.  My husband is so ridiculously stingy I used up most of my savings on a previous occasion so now have barely any pension provision. 

luckily I was able to continue working through chemo so didn't have to dig into my savings this time but it will depend on the job you do, if you're a teacher or other public sector employee or have a sickness scheme in place just sign off, this is cancer not a cold.

How will they manage your other health concerns with chemo ??? Will your various health professionals work as a team ???

Here's hoping that the missed phone call isn't indicative of what's to come. 

Sorry you're having to go through all this, you don't sound as panic stricken as I was but you're already dealing with so much

hugs

Carolyn

xxx

Hello, I am exactly like you and take 6 x 1mg of Lorazepam.  I take 2mg the night before, 2mg two hours before and 2mg an hour before the scans.  I don't remember anything afterwards apart from being asked what music i like, earphones and eye mask out on me and it's perfect for me.  If it wasn't for Lorazepam there is no way that I would do the scans.