elnodel Posted June 8, 2004 Posted June 8, 2004 Len is scheduled for his PET scan this Thursday (10 May). After waiting all this time (his surgery was 26 April) and not knowing the real situation other than the tumour was removed along with the upper right lobe and one lymph node proved to be cancerous, we're both anxious to get this over and start with the oncologist (next Monday). But Len is extremely claustrophobic -- didn't make it through the pre-surgical PET scan because of that. This time they've given him a 1 mg Ativan tablet to take 1 hour before the scan. I hope it does the trick. I'm not at all sure it'll work on him. He finally started taking Paxil yesterday for his ongoing anxiety bouts, especially at night, and last night was wonderful -- he began to feel much calmer, got sleepy, then slept through the night and woke up feeling much better. That feeling lasted until noon today, then the anxiety returned. I'm sure it's to be expected with the tests coming up -- I think he's just about as anxious about messing up the PET scan by panicking as he is about the results. So between the two, he's not very happy. At any rate, on Thursday we'll get through this somehow -- then we have to wait until Monday to know what's what. But at least that particular end is in sight. Have other people had the same difficulty with the PET scan? Did the sedation work? I've got everything - fingers, toes, eyes - crossed....both for the test itself and, of course, the dreaded results. Ellen Quote
J.C. Posted June 8, 2004 Posted June 8, 2004 Ellen, Wishing you and your husband a good test on Thursday. Others will know more than me about a Pet scan for lungs. I had 2 for brain tumors but never for the lungs. As long as his medication is strong enough all may be well. Good vibes and also prayers for both of you. J.C. Quote
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 8, 2004 Posted June 8, 2004 Ellen, I am claustrophobic and the PET scan was very difficult to deal with. I wish I had known ahead of time and would have asked for anti-axiety med. I'm sorry I can't give further help other than anxiety is a chemical reaction of the brain and the medicine will counteract this, lowering or eliminating the anxious thoughts. My prayers to you and your husband. Cat Quote
mhutch1366 Posted June 9, 2004 Posted June 9, 2004 Ellen, I closed my eyes the entire time and prayed, because if I opened them I'd feel claustrophobic. If I didn't pray I wouldn't be able to keep my eyes shut. Does that make any sense? Good luck XOXOXOX MaryAnn Prayers. PS maybe 2 atavan if he's not driving..... Quote
Snowflake Posted June 9, 2004 Posted June 9, 2004 Prior to an MRI I was given a big ol' Valium...10mg...worked mighty fine, it was as if World Peace had broken out and had started with me...La-la-la-la-la... After that experience, I'll take Xanax before my CT scans for the needle apprehension...as long as they give me a darn nurse when I ask for one, all will be smooth... Convince him the meds will work, part of the battle is mental... Good luck! Becky Quote
sharyn Posted June 10, 2004 Posted June 10, 2004 Post when your get the GOOD NEWS!!! I am praying for you... Sharon Quote
elnodel Posted June 10, 2004 Author Posted June 10, 2004 Thanks for your encouraging responses. Len had his PET scan today and got through the whole thing. The ativan didn't do much but did make him a bit more mellow, but they were ready for him at the hospital and gave him more via IV right before the scan. Like Becky, he was in la la land, quite quite happy; not out (as he had hoped) but zonked enough to be content. So now all we have to do is wait for Monday and the oncologist appointment. Ellen Quote
mhutch1366 Posted June 10, 2004 Posted June 10, 2004 Better living through chemistry. I'm very happy he got through the scans alright. May Monday be a very good day for you. XOXOX Prayers, MaryAnn Quote
elnodel Posted June 11, 2004 Author Posted June 11, 2004 Better living through chemistry…MaryAnn, I’m a believer! Always had been something of a skeptic till now…nothing like a little cancer to teach you a thing or two. Now on to the big things! Cat – next time make sure you DEMAND the good stuff. Becky, as always, you make me laugh. I love your posts. JC – obviously your good vibes worked -- and your incredible generosity. And Sharon -- we’re almost neighbours - I live on the Conn. Shoreline, in Deep River! Are there other Connecticuters around? Waiting until the other shoe drops on Monday. Again, thanks for all the prayers and good wishes. MaryAnn said it all in her last post when she wished a good day for us on Monday.. As the old Yiddish expression has it, “from your lips to G_d’s ears….”a Ellen Quote
Connie B Posted June 11, 2004 Posted June 11, 2004 Dear Ellen, I have a feeling you will be posting your update on Len in the GOOD NEWS FORUM! So glad to hear Len had a nice time in LA LA LAND! That's a nice place to go to now and then! Wishing you good news come Monday! And oh by the way, YES this will be a LONNNNNG weekend for you two! Sorry you have to wait through the weekend! BUMMER! Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.