Hi everyone! I’m back with another symptom question. Before diagnosis, I felt pressure in my throat/esophagus sometimes (enlarged nodes in neck and chest). Since starting treatment (I’ve completed 6/12 ABVD), this feeling comes and goes in different parts of my throat. Sometimes it feels like something pressing in my chest and sometimes it feels like something stuck in my upper throat. It’s not painful, more so annoying and stressful about what’s going on. This feeling hasn’t really gone away for longer than a week or so at a time throughout treatment so far.
I had an interim PET after 4 that showed complete metabolic response (thank you God) so I hope I’m overthinking with the anxiety of this all. Anyone else have this issue and something that helped alleviate that feeling?
Thanks so much and prayers for us all!
Hi again, the first thing is - your team do know about this? If not, you should always tell them but as your PET was good then your focus needs to be in other areas.
Although I had NHL my brick sized mass what in my neck, I am now over 6 years post that initial treatment and for years I had random aches and pains in and around my neck including trouble swallowing.
It turns out my mass had badly damaged nerves and this took years to work out. Once I got into being more active the pains were worse but the longer I worked on the area all the pain and other issues went away to the point I asked for my pain meds to be taken off my repeat prescription.
In the early days I stressed over these pains and at times was convincing myself that it was all kicking off again..... then the stress levels went up and I felt crap........ but once I got control of the battle in my head everything calmed down.
So try moving your focus away from the ‘what is this and the what if’s?’ and focus on the gold....... clear PET scan way to go.
((hugs))
The problem is that during this rollercoaster we are still living, thinking and emotional people so we do have a lot to deal with...... let alone the cancer, treatments and even once the treatment part is finished there is the post treatment recovery.
You may find looking at this little article helpful, yes it looks at post treatment but at the same time anxiety is still the same regardless when it kicks in.
Anxiety or as it’s often called Scanxiety can be difficult to negotiate but Choosing Hope is a good foundation to move forward on.
Choosing Hope
The first time you read or hear it, “scanxiety” may look and sound like a funny word. However, when you are going through it, there is nothing funny about this very real condition. From the first MRI following a doctor’s suspicious discovery during a routine exam to the annual PET scan years after an initial diagnosis, the fear and worry that accompanies imaging appointments can take a significant toll on your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Fortunately, you can take steps to minimise and cope with the sometimes-overwhelming emotions you feel.
Acknowledge your Feelings
Don’t try to ignore the way you feel, as this can actually increase your anxiety. Instead, recognise and even embrace your scanxiety. This first step empowers you to take action, move forward and manage your emotions, helping you find peace and feel more in control of your own life.
Talk about It to the Right People
Venting your fears and frustrations to people close to you can be a wonderful way to release stress and gain vital support. However, if you have folks in your life who tend to exacerbate your worries or load you up with even more concerns (and really, who doesn’t have that one friend or family member?), avoid sharing too much with them.
Practice Mindful Living
Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Look for ways to live in the moment. Hug your little boy and inhale deeply, noting the mingled fragrance of fresh earth and shampoo. Stroke your husband’s face and think about the way his soft stubble brushes your hand. Savour a particularly flavourful meal. Relish in the here and now.
Distract Yourself
Find ways to take your mind off the upcoming scan, at least for a while. Dig into a novel or binge watch a series that completely engrosses you. Turn up your favourite music and tackle a chore you’ve been putting off for too long. Hang out with that one friend who has a gift for making you guffaw. Schedule some time to enjoy your favourite hobby without interruption. If you have trouble letting go, imagine setting your worries in a “to do later” box and tell yourself you can pick them up when you’re done.
Ask Questions
Sometimes, the unknown is the greatest instigator of anxiety. If you are unclear about anything –from what to expect during the scan, to when and how you can expect to receive your results, to what those results might mean– don’t be afraid to ask your doctor. Having a well-defined understanding of what you will or might experience allows you to be better prepared and can even ease your mind.
Plan for the Worst Outcome…
Along with knowing what could possibly come of your scan, creating a strategy for the worst case scenario can improve your sense of control. By no means should this be perceived as giving up or being resigning yourself to bad news. Cancer can make you feel powerless, but creating a basic action plan just in case can help you regain your power as well as your optimism.
…but Visualise the Best
Your mind is more powerful than you might realise. Visualisation and guided imagery have been shown to improve your mood, control symptoms or side effects and even boost your immune system. Imagine yourself receiving great news after your scan. Allow yourself to experience the feelings of relief, gratitude and elation. Think about these things as though you are remembering them. Seeing it in your mind’s eye can give you the encouragement you need to overcome your scanxiety.
