Being asked to get an abdominal CT and I'm terrified. :(
I was diagnosed with IDC back in 2013. I've been doing well since then. I had lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemo (AC and Taxol) and 5 weeks of radiation. I've been having a dull ache in my right back sort of at my waist. I had a chest X-ray per request of my PC doc and it showed lungs ok but a healed fractured 7th rib? I did take a fall getting out of bed in the middle of the night I think back in August. Not sure if that's what caused the break. I just happened to have my yearly video visit January 11th with my Oncologist. When I mentioned this to her she suggested this abdominal CT. I am concerned about the radiation. I am also very scared to get it. I always think the worst these days. I have until now been staying pretty positive but I can't even imagine what the ache could be from?? I guess I'm reaching out because I don't really have anyone to reach out to about this. My husband is not much help and sometimes seems so cold when it comes to my diagnosis.
Any help from ladies in this special community would be so appreciated. I really have a feeling of despair
Lexie
Comments
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From the location, maybe your doctor needs to see your kidneys like to check for kidney stones or something. Did your doctor order the CT with or without contrast? Contrast is needed to get any useful info about the organs, but if they are just looking for kidney stones, you don't need contrast for that.
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First I want to say thank you for responding. She did mention that they would be injecting a dye. I know I should follow her advice but my fear is absolutely holding me back. Why would she order this test if she wasn't thinking something is wrong.
I still haven't agreed. -
lexie - wouldn't you rather go ahead than worry yourself to death? Don't guess that she's expecting worst. Look at it as a diagnostic procedure. Another tool to use to keep you at your healthiest.
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Hi Lexie--Sorry for the situation. I just wanted to say....you will see over and over and over again on these posts that radiologists need to ask for biopsies if they suspect just a 2% chance of cancer. And once we tell a doctor a symptom....which we SHOULD....they are obligated....whether legally, morally, professionally....to be thorough. And that's probably what the dr is doing. He or she could be thinking that nothing is probably wrong....but gosh darn....we need to make sure. I mean, we have a history of breast cancer here. It's not appropriate to ignore that. Maybe some days, LOL....
It's obviously up to you whether you get the test or you don't. But as my radiation oncologist told me when I was going through a scary time.....you can't hide from the truth. And for whatever reason....that phrase helped me.
The scary time I went through was....I had to get a bone biopsy to rule out a metastatic diagnosis. It was a very, very difficult time in my life. But I am so glad that I did it because looking at it objectively....you need to know what's wrong to treat it....or you need to know it's benign so you can move on. I KNOW it's scary. It's so scary. I leaned on my girlfriends and sister during my time. I hope you have some friends who can help you through this! I personally would totally get that test to rule out anything wrong. Hugs....
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I will send thumbs up to your doctor for being proactive and doing appropriate diagnostics. A CT scan is indicated. It's a fast, simple procedure and knowledge is power. Once you know, you move on to whatever needs doing. It might turn out to be absolutely nothing. The ache could be from many benign conditions. The anticipatory worrying is awful. Just book it and get it over and done with.
Let us know when your appointment is so we can comisserate with you and wait with you for results!
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It could be a ton of different things, and a CT scan is a simple non-invasive way to rule out a bunch of stuff and most importantly a return of cancer. Take heart like Moth said, it's a good thing your doc is recommending the scan--
I have so so so so much anxiety around tests one thing that helps me somewhat is to keep repeating to myself.
The CT scan is just a picture of what is going on inside my body and doesn't change any outcome. Make the call and schedule the scan, you can do it!
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Thank You MinusTwo,
I know your right. I haven't really been able to sleep. I move thru my day like a zombie. Going thru this BC nightmare I think I have tried very hard to stay positive. I'm usually a very negative person but I've really been working on that. Being negative is no way to live. You are so sweet to reach out to me and I really want to thank you for that. I would love to get it done and get good news. I have to admit I've not been the best when it comes to eating, exercising etc. I do blame myself for not doing better. I've been especially bad since Covid. I pray I have a chance do do better.
Hugs
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I have CT scans with contrast a couple times a year. sometimes abdomen, sometimes chest and pelvis, too. It's not all that much contrast to worry about. And remember, there's all kinds of things that can be happening with your body that have nothing to do with the breast cancer you had.
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Thank You Kathabus, Your phrase you can't hide from the truth says alot. I just kept hoping this feeling in my back/waist would just go away but it hasn't. All of you ladies who have responded and advised me are really helping me to do what needs to be done. I want to move forward and then hopefully take a sigh of relief. Did your bone biopsy turn out ok?
Hugs,
Lexie
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Thank you Moth. Just do it and get it over with. ( I know this should be simple for me but it's not.) I also know your right. I really appreciate your input. I will call tomorrow and make the appointment.
HUGS
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AliceBastable, you have to have CT scans that often? Can I ask why. Have they ever found anything? Does the dye/ contrast make you feel weird? I know this might sound like a dumb question, I just reread it. Thank You so much for sharing with me.
Hugs
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Yes! It was benign. I love all the responses you got tonight. Lots of support and wisdom. Keep in mind—Lots of people have aches and pains all over...especially as we age. If you never had breast cancer you’d just be annoyed that your back hurt. Let us know how you make out
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2019whatayear,
Just thinking about what they might find is hard for me right now. I know I do need to do this and can't ignore it. Like I said I kept hoping it would just go away on it's own. Again, all of you sweet gals who have taken the time to respond I really need to thank. The friends I have in my life at this time are happy and healthy and I feel like they don't want to hear it. i am thankful for having this site to reach out to women who would understand my fears etc.
Hugs and God bless you
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lexie2002
I have CTs because I had kidney cancer the same year as breast cancer - it was found on a non-contrast chest CT the day before my lumpectomy. Since I was a smoker then, the doctor thought a CT would give a better look at my lungs. Surprise! There was a good-sized growth on my kidney, on the same side as the breast cancer. If it's one of the things you're worried about, I hope I can reassure you that I had NO symptoms with my 7 cm growth, as is the case with most people - and bilateral cancer is super rare. I've had back issues for years, and it's always been structural (a bad disc) or muscular.
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lexie,
You’ve received a lot of good input. I can’t add much but wanted to say that I lived in Los Gatos for 20 years. I now live in the downtown San Jose area but I teach first grade at Alta Vista Elementary school. Take care.
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lexie - one of the best things I learned on this board - you don't have to be brave. You just have to show up. That you can do - but don't worry about smiling. You don't have to be positive either right now. Too many things to learn yet. But once you have treatment plans, I promise it gets easier.
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AliceBastable,
Geez! Your now the fourth person that I know that kidney cancer was found while treating something else. I find that very lucky. Not the cancer but having found it sort of by accident as my other friends put it. I'm so glad your ok. Did they have to remove your kidney? You are so sweet to share your story. I think the way I'm not feeling about this site now, is that we aren't alone. It SUCKS big time that all of us have this in common but I know we need each other. I will keep you in my prayers. HUGS
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UPDATE: To all the ladies who helped me reach a decision.....
I called my Oncologist and told her if at all possible I would like to see her. I wasn't comfortable with our last video visit. I didn't realize it was even an option to see my doc in person anymore. Anyway, I saw her today. ( she did tell me on the phone however) that even if she saw me she would still want to recommend the CT!
I showed her where I was feeling uncomfortable and she did an exam. I got there early so I did my 6 month bloodwork before my appointment. She was glad I had done it. Between all of you ladies who shared your input with me and seeing my Oncologist today I made the appointment. It's January 26th at 4:45. The bad news is it's now going to be a chest, abdominal and head CT! Yikes, I didn't want to agree to that. I told her I was having some headaches and thought I had maybe a sinus headache that doesn't seem to be going away. I should have kept my big mouth shut. I do have head cold symptoms, phlegm and my ears are popping. Now I'm feeling it's overkill and maybe too much testing. I thought I was worried before, now I feel overwhelmed. Sorry if it sounds like complaining I just didn't expect all of the additional screening.
HUGS
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lexie,
You have a really good MO. Many women have to insist on getting extra scans. Scans just show what is going in your body. They will not harm you since you get them rarely. Please, don't think about negative things! You did everything right mentioning all your symptoms. Sending you hugs and prayers! 💚
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Thank you MikaMIika
I have read where women have to sometimes struggle to get what they want.
Reading things like that always breaks my heart. I was just so surprised to now need 3 different Ct's! I'm still extremely nervous but if I didn't do this and something could have been caught early enough I couldn't forgive myself.HUGS AND PRAYERS TO YOU TOO,
Thank You
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Lexie- just popped over here and wanted to offer some encouragement! I'm glad you're dr is proactive. I hope your test shows nothing serious at all and your mind will be at peace. I think it's now normal for those of us who've heard those words and been on this journey to automatically assume the worst! I sure do get it!
I will say to you what I say to myself regularly....when you hear hoofbeats, think horse, not zebra! I hope that makes sense! Big hugs and I prayed for you to have peace in the waiting!
Hugs to you ~
Mindi
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lexie, in your pocket for the 26th. At least you only have to show up once to have multiple areas scanned! Hang in there. (((hugs)))
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Thank you MindiG66
Having women reaching out to me really helps. I just can't shake being scared. Thank you for your prayers. I believe in prayer.
HUGS
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Dear Beaverntx
Your right about going once. I guess I should have asked her why the chest? The complaint of a headache caused her to want to do the head but the chest???? I guess I could email her and ask but that might cause more concern for me. ??? I'm trying to put it out of my mind today (which is sort of impossible) but I just long for a normal day with no concern for this stupid C!!!! I would love a glass of wine about now......... LOL
Hugs and thank you for your comment.
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lexie, it's just standard diagnostics. I think from an MO's perspective, once you start investigating this you have to do a thorough job. So head, chest & abdo is standard of care IMO. The MO needs to rule things out. You have a good dr, you're in good hands (something to put in the gratitude journal if you keep one)
And for you it will feel like just 1 scan. They might reposition you for the head, but all of these are super super fast. The longest part for me is the waiting to get an IV started. Once you're in there, it's fast and you'll be out and on your way in like 5 minutes.
My CTs are IV only contrast (no oral contrast) and I just have to drink water before the test (but don't have to hold it - pee when you need to, It's just so the kidneys are nicely hydrated). Drink lots for 24h after the scan to keep flushing the contrast dye out.
&maybe you could think this through a bit or journal or meditate on it: what is the fear? (cause I'm guessing it's *not* the scan...it's what the scan might mean) and how have you overcome scary things before? And what gives you motivation to just keep putting one foot in front of the other? I really like what 2019whatayear wrote above "The CT scan is just a picture of what is going on inside my body and doesn't change any outcome" In a way this is just like being sent to a specialist for another look ...even though we rarely meet them the radiologist reading your scans is the specialist and it's almost like a virtual visit to which only your organs are invited
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Thank you Moth,
I asked her when it was just going to be the one scan how long it would take. She told me around 45 minutes. That seems like a long time. I was wondering how they would know if your allergic to the dye? I've heard you can be. I guess I should look into that. Thank you so much for taking time to write me. It means alot.
HUGS
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I think you find out you're allergic to the dye same as any other allergy - it will occur. The IV running first is just saline and the actual dye is a small dose that runs very quickly. Even though the techs are in another room, they're watching you constantly and they can talk to you so if you feel odd, they will immediately take whatever steps needed. BTW, it's normal for the dye to make you feel warm and as if you need to pee (or did pee..lol. It's really a weird feeling but only lasts seconds).
You don't need to do anything now or look into it. Trust your team, trust the people; ime they really are well trained for this stuff
put away google, go watch a nice show or go for a walk or go play a game or watch youtube craft videos or decide to take up a new hobby .... try to put this out of your mind for the next days. -
If you are allergic to shellfish, you may be allergic to the contrast dye used in CTs.
I am the anomaly, I didn't get hives until the day after that CT so you can just pay attention to your skin and whether you itch like a madwoman.
I can still have the dye if it's necessary; I have to go through a drug protocol that includes a massive amount of Benadryl and someone else has to drive me.
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Hi lexie, I just had my chest and pelvic CT yesterday. The scans themselves take minutes, at most. First you’re scanned without contrast, then they inject the contrast and scan again. It takes me longer to get situated on the table than the actual scanning. And moth is right, the contrast will make you feel flush for a couple of minutes and as though you have to pee (or already did), but it’s over quickly. Drink lots of water after to clear the contrast out of your system.
With an abdominal CT they’ll want you to drink contrast “shake” about an hour before the procedure. The mocha has become my favorite flavor (it’s really not too bad). So you’ll arrive early for that. Altogether my appointments last about an hour and 20 minutes
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I get abdominal scans each time. Sometimes they give me the drink, other times, not. The one at our facility tastes like Gatorade or diluted lemonade and is the same texture, not a fakeshake. It's a HUGE improvement over the vile stuff I had to drink back in 2008 for my first cancer.
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