Stewart, one of our committee members, has been interviewing supporters of Stamford and Rutland Cancer Support, and asking them about their experience regarding tests, scans and treatments. This month Stewart asked Mike for his experience regarding various scans especially an MRI scan.

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

Mike: At the end of January 2022, I woke up one morning and went through my usual routines, and on looking in the mirror, my right tonsil had swollen and was so large in size that it was virtually covering half of my throat. I contacted the Surgery and talked to an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. I was asked to come down to the Surgery for a closer look, but this visit was very unhelpful. I managed to get a GP Referral Letter to see the ENT consultant at the Fitzwilliam. 

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

Mike: They took a biopsy and arranged for a PET/CT Scan at Addenbrooke’s. The consultant decided the scan should be carried out at the earliest available opportunity rather than waiting to receive the results based on his own gut feelings.
Stewart: What was going through your mind in the days leading up to your first test or scan? 

Mike: My mind didn’t have time to change from focusing on the complete lack of unknown information as to what was exactly happening with my body. During the day the scan took place, I was finally coming to terms that whatever the result, I would have an answer to base my future on.

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

Mike: All the staff I saw were very knowledgeable and also made me feel relaxed. This was important for my own peace of mind. When the scan took place, they were using a mobile unit, and you were in effect sitting in a small section whilst waiting to go into the Chamber. You have to stay still with minor movement for however long the scan took.

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

Mike I think emotionally, it was whilst lying down in the tube and with your eyes closed, listening to the staff talking to you. My mind would be going through different thoughts and emotions that in such an enclosed space, you could not pass on to others verbally until the whole scan process had completed and you were free to leave the unit.

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

Mike: I was very well informed about how the procedure would be by all the medical staff. I had contact with them before the day, and on the actual day before and after the scan.

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

Mike: Understandably, the wait was an emotional time for us. We made the decision not to discuss anything with other family members until we had a definitive answer to allow us to plan the discussions in a way we could all move forward.

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

Mike: I received the results by phone at 11 o'clock one evening.  We had gone through so many unacceptable events from a number of medical professionals that we wanted a direct answer from someone we trusted and had said to them we would take the news, either good or bad, at any time of day. It might sound strange, but even receiving the bad news of the scan showing positive results for Lymphoma Cancer, it sank in more easily as we now had something to work on and live through.

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

Mike: My experience over time of testing, be it blood tests, biopsies or CT scans, has stayed the same, and my mindset has and always will be don’t put off receiving the opportunity to have them carried out. The results will define your ongoing treatment and how you, as a person, deal with the progression through life.

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

Mike: Not especially, as I believe that if you can ask the right questions to the right people all through your journey, then you can piece together an action plan. It helps you and your close family at the beginning and then flex your mind on future testing.

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

Mike: My main piece of advice would be to listen and take in, wherever possible, what doctors and consultants tell you about the procedures and tests that are needed. Although sometimes it's not pleasant, knowing rather than not knowing will help define your future way of thinking.

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

Mike: Due to having all my initial tests and scans through the GenesisCare Cancer Specialists, I had continuous support from them, regardless of their role or specialty. In a way, it was my second family for all things medical and kept within the same hospital environment throughout. It was also intertwined with my wife and close family because during all of my treatment and ongoing to this day, they were kept informed either face to face or by phone and were classed as part of me and not outsiders.