I have a PET scan in August and can’t wait! 😜 I know I’m weird, but I badly want to know what’s going on in my body.

Hello Mary,
I refused a pet scan. My doctor told me to think about it then. I’m claustrophobic as well and was worried about the radiation. Three months later at my monthly appointment with my doctor I had gotten so sick and the symptoms were horrible and he looked at me and said it’s time for the pet scan. I didn’t argue, I couldn’t take the pain anymore. I had it done and the whole process was fifteen minutes. I was also given medication for the claustrophobic symptoms. I have had to have a few ct scans done and a mri because of my back injury and for my lungs when I got pneumonia I was given the same medicine for the claustrophobia. I did very good and the tech was very nice and said I did great and that it was a very long time to lay there with my back pain and the fracture in it. She was able to make me comfortable though before she started so that was a big factor. I hope you have time to make a decision and that you feel good about it. I know it is hard but I think you will know when and if it is right for you. 😊. And also just in case, I didn’t think the pet scan and ct scan were very bad at n regarding the claustrophobia but the MRI was a bit more difficult. Even though I did good on it. The stress and anxiety prior was the worse thing. Wishing you well. Take care.
Michelle 💕

@A MyLymphomaTeam Member
And Tim, an open MRI and Ultrasound both have no radiation and are suitable for people with Claustrophobia

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A MyLymph...

Hi Mary,

Unfortunately, I’ve had a total of three scans since my diagnosis in October 2025. It’s definitely a double-edged sword; while we are trying to find out if there’s cancer, we are also increasing the risk of developing it. I have to say that if it hadn’t been for the PET scan, they would have never discovered that my lymphoma is spreading throughout my system. I had a PET scan a few weeks ago, and I had a CT scan six months prior. The comparison between the two scans revealed so much more information; it showed that my cancer is currently active and pinpointed the exact location where it is most prominent. They did use one of the new GE PET scans - I was in ther that little do not for 15 minutes for a full body, no hold your breath and all that jazz. Good Luck . Isabel

An MRI is out of the question because of your heart. Tell the doctor you’re scared and claustrophobic and get them to drug you up. While not perfect, the PET scan is the best way to see your tumour load.