Xanax or Ativan? for PET scan

 

My posts are getting farther & father way from the topic of tnbc. Sorry!

 

You all might recall that I decided to take a "watch & wait" approach regarding the probability of developing AML (after developing a granulocytic sarcoma). Well guess what!? I've changed my mind....typical woman!

 

Although my oncologist thinks that treating with antileukemic chemotherapy without any sign of AML will only give me a slighter chance of not developing it, this is opposite of all the medical studies I have read and read and read. AND, I knew all of this when I decided to go along with "watch & wait" but I think I was just so disappointed that it came back from the expert as a granulocytic sarcoma, my mind was cloudy when making the decision to watch & wait.

 

I had the weekend to think it over, and re-read the studies. I told my doctor that I wanted to go ahead with the chemotherapy (which requires an almost month long hospital stay, then daily chemo on an outpatient basis for I forget how long). He was very supportive about my decision.

 

I had another bone marrow biopsy this past Wedesday. And it was painful but bearable. I couldn't feel a thing during my first bone marrow biopsy, but this time was a doozy! Oh well.

 

Again, thank you all for your support. It really helps to be able to come on here, vent, and get other's opinions.

 

To Life!

Betty

 

 

 

Glad you made it through the tests intact, even if it was a rough go.  

 

Something that I've learned to do and is very helpful:  Visualization.  It's basically an exercise in escape, imagining a different reality or an invisible process.  When I'm going through an uncomfortably long PET or MRI, I close my eyes and relax, then see myself sitting with a group of like minded friends and cohorts discussing whatever suits my fancy. 

 

Sometimes they are all at the test with me and hold my hand, or do Reiki, or massage.  Anything can happen in your imagination! 

 

Same with radiation.  I close my eyes and "see" my vertebra, then I "see" the radiation melting the tumor mass away. 

 

I had to practice every day to learn to relax.  Meditation MP3s helped...self hypnosis.  Took 20 minutes a day and devoted it to relaxation and inducing a state to visualize.  Now I can do it almost on the second for any uncomfortable or fear inciting procedure. 

 

My oncologist also lets me use CAM, herbs, etc. as long as I talk to him about it beforehand so he can advise of any conflicts or dangers. 

I use a standardized valerian root capsule and chamomile tea 30-60 minutes prior to a procedure.  If it's fasting, they usually allow taking medication with a very small amount of water.  I always check first. 

 

I'm still wincing, however, with needle sticks.  Used to be they never bothered me, but in the last year, I've developed a real aversion to them, and now, even a 24 ga. butterfly needle makes me cringe!  I'm not so tough after all, but it's OK.  I'm allowed. 

 

Keep the faith.  You will never be given more to bear than the grace given you to bear it.