Stewart: Can you tell me about the moment you first found out you needed to undergo tests or scans?

John: My first tests and scans were in February 2023. That was when things started to feel very real.

Stewart: What kind of tests or scans were you sent for, and how were they explained to you?

John: I had blood tests and MRI scans. Everything was clearly explained to me by both my consultant and the specialist nurse, which helped ease a lot of uncertainty.

Stewart: What was going through your mind in the days leading up to your first test or scan?

John: I kept thinking about the results. I already had a sense that something was wrong, but I didn’t know how serious it was. Not knowing was tough.

Stewart: How did the medical staff treat you during the testing process?

John: The medical team was excellent. They took the time to explain each procedure thoroughly and made sure I was comfortable with what was happening.

Stewart: Were there any particular moments during the scan or test that stood out to you emotionally or physically?

John: Yes, during the actual scans, the nursing staff were brilliant. They helped me to totally relax, which made a big difference in what could have been a very stressful experience.

Stewart: Did you feel well-informed and prepared going into the procedure?

John: Absolutely. Thanks to a detailed pre-assessment consultation, I felt well-informed and prepared. I knew what to expect.

Stewart: How did you cope with the wait for results?

John: I coped remarkably well, but I did find myself going through all kinds of scenarios in my head. You try to be strong, but your mind wanders.

Stewart: What were your thoughts and feelings when you received your results?

John: It felt like I’d just walked under a bus. Everything changed in that moment. I kept thinking, “What’s next?”—about my life, my treatment, and whether or not it would be successful.

Stewart: Have your experiences with testing changed over time as your treatment continued?

John: No, not really. The process has stayed much the same throughout my continued treatment.

Stewart: Was there anything you wish someone had told you beforehand about what to expect?

John: To be honest, my consultation was first-class. I sat down with the ENT Oncology Consultant, an oncologist, and the specialist nurse. We discussed the stage of my cancer, the surgical procedure to remove my thyroid and the left side of my vocal cord, and talked through the best- and worst-case outcomes. I felt fully informed.

Stewart: What advice would you give to someone about to go through similar tests or scans for the first time?

John: Presume nothing, and ask as many questions as you can. Have someone with you—two minds are better than one. And definitely speak to the specialist nurse—they’re very well informed and can really help you understand everything.

Stewart: Did you find any comfort or support from certain people or places during the testing process?

John: Yes, I found a lot of comfort and support from the consultants, nurses, my oncology specialist nurse, and the whole oncology team at Addenbrooke’s. My family was also a huge support throughout.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a medical imaging technique used to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves—rather than X-rays—to produce images of organs, soft tissues, and bones. It’s especially useful for detecting abnormalities in the brain, spine, joints, and internal organs. The procedure is painless, though patients must lie still inside a large tube-shaped scanner, often for 30–60 minutes.