I think that it all depends on your attitude. I sort of choose not to worry about them too much, though I do tell people that I hold my breath from the scan until I get the results. I suspect that the nervousness level drops over time as long as you get good news every time. I have not always gotten good news so I may not be the best reference, but I do know my wife gets much more nervous than I do. The best advice I can give is to relax and try not to worry. Worrying does no good. Just live each day to the fullest and be positive about your future being cancer free.

For me, all procedures became less nerve racking as time went on. You become an old pro at it, and know what to expect. The first time each procedure is a little scary, but after you've done it once, then it isnt so bad.

Hope you get used to it and can become calm.
greg

i had scans this past Wednesday - I have been doing this for over 3 years now. I found that I am just as stressed as ever. I worry about the results. The scans them selves are easier, since I know the protocol and what to expect. I also mediate so I do "yoga" breaths while in the MRI.

I usually have what I call "scan anxiety" the night before a scan. I'm usually calm by the time I get to the scan but then I can't wait to find out the results, as I'm usually pretty anxious.I have received both good and bad news after my scans so it's always a bit nerve wracking. My next scan is Oct. 2nd so prayers please! Blessings to everyone.

Thanks, everyone for the feedback., and good luck, Nana L., with your tests next week. I know it seems silly...I suspect I am still dealing with a lot of anxiety I didn't have time for during the active treatment phase. I don't mind the PET scan itself - the tech & I have gotten fairly friendly at this point, and he always put some Led Zepplin on for me to listen to, but waiting for the results just drives me nuts. It's hard to hold my breath for a week! I don't spend a lot of time thinking or worrying about the cancer, but test time just seems to bring it all back.

It's hard not to be anxious when you feel like a ticking time bomb. Worrying doesn't help but it's a natural reaction that we all have. Just try not to let it take over. My oncologist gave me some good advice - she said allow yourself 10 minutes per day to worry. Now, if I've already used up my 10 minutes for that day, I tell myself that it will have to wait until tomorrow. By the next day, sometimes I forget:)

Thanks for all the responses. I have my first follow up colonoscopy coming up in December and I'm already worried. At least with a colonoscopy you know the results right away. My first scan won't be until May. I can appreciate the worrying. I have read so many stories here of cancer reoccurring. I just don't know how people find the strength to go through the whole process again. I'm sure if faced with it, I will deal as so many have. I just pray I won't have to!

Never

I'm so glad I'm not the only one feeling this way! I have my oncologist's appointment on Tuesday and I know he's going to write the scrip for the PET scan...and I want it, but I am starting to feel anxious. And we all know, it's not the scan...it's waiting for the results!!

I just had my 1st scans after finishing chemo and thankfully my onc got back to me after just little over a day with results of cancer free even though she was on vacation that day. But waiting to get those results were stressing me out a lot. Next scans on Dec 14th. Trying not to think about it much at this time. Spending my time catching up on all the other stuff I neglected this year since diagnosed with cancer in Feb. I have bone density on 10/8 to see if chemo affected my osteopenia of hip and spine. Thyroid doc appt on 10/16, Primary physician well visit (what a crack up after chemo) will be made in another couple of weeks. All this because hit max out of pocket on insurance this year, so all free as long as in network.

Lol....I know how you feel, I was trying to think about what else I could have done this year since I met my deductible...I guess that's a bit of silver lining :)

I am 3 years in remission and I still get nervous for the week or so after I get my scans and when I see my doctor to get the results. It does get better with time, but I still get nervous.

My cancer doesn't go away, so I know my news won't be improvement. It at best will be status quo, so you think scans wouldn't be a big deal, but about a year ago I had a panic attack during a scan. I got through the scan - was a while before I could get to the car though. Always been fine since then. Funny, you never know when it's going to hit you.

Everything becomes less nerve wracking over time!

My cancer is not going away. I'll be doing scans for the rest of my life. Fortunately I have an inner peace and don't worry about them. I've gotten good news, status quo news and bad news. I get my results within hours which is a blessing.