Waiting for PET scan and afraid

Toresistdespair

I have come to terms with my stage 3, IDC pr positive breast cancer. Recently diagnosed Feb 2. I had good news the other day after a lymph node biopsy that there were no cancer cells found, but my surgical oncologist finds it still suspect. I was feeling confident because my MRI and lymph node biopsy all showed no additional spread. however, I am now finding myself full of anxiety. Will my pet scan show a spread? How likely is it to spread to your body if there is not much if anything in your lymph node.

Moderators

We understand just how scary this all can be - the waiting is simply the worst! It is great news that there were no cancer cells in the lymph node biopsy! Try to distract yourself, if possible, while you wait.

Emily2008

So sorry about your diagnosis. The waiting is the WORST part, for sure!

You mentioned you're stage 3. Is this because of the size of the tumor? That may be why your doc is being very cautious. And a cautious oncologist is a very good thing. I've read way too many stories on this site about doctors who were less than proactive, and the women suffered for it.

As difficult as it is to wait, that's all you can do right now. And I agree with the mods to try to distract yourself as much as possible. Yes, cancer can spread even without lymph node involvement. But you don't know anything about that yet, so try to stay present and focused on the here and now. Do you have a closet to clean out? That's what I did, and I'm loving my organized walk-in!

Do you have a date scheduled for the PET scan?

edwards750

Bless your heart we can all relate to the fear factor. No easy way to deal with it except as suggested to distract yourself as much as possible. You already have reason for optimism. Your ONC is just being cautious and while that scares you I think it's a good thing too. I have a friend whose life was saved because of an ONC's persistence.

Just so you know I am the poster person for anxiety. My youngest son can attest to that. It's my personality. Fortunately my DH is the polar opposite. He can patiently wait for results. I cannot. I am a basket case until I find out.

Keep us posted and keep the faith.

Diane

Anonymous

Pet scans will show spread; be sure to follow the pre-petscan diet directions (no carbs/sugar which can cause false positives). If they don't tell you about them, be sure to ask.

I remember slumping to the floor when my oncologist called with the "all clear" news.

As one who is pre-disposed to anxiety since I was little, I can share your fears. I had my surgeon give me a low dose rx of Xanax and he did, willingly, for anxiety. Just having it on hand--not even using it but knowing it was there--helped me.

Hugs

Claire