💗 How I Prepare for My PET Scan

Krista Temple
May 18
3 min read

Updated: May 29

What I do before walking through those doors at Initio Nuclear Medicine — for the fourth time (fifth PET).

Krista resting patiently at her PET scan at Initio Nuclear Medicine.

PET scans are a big deal.They’re a powerful tool in my healing journey — revealing what’s happening beneath the surface. But with that power comes weight: the preparation, the emotion, the unknown.

As I approach my fifth PET scan, I wanted to share how I prepare — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

📄 1. Paperwork First

Before anything else, I make sure my referral paperwork is submitted. I prepare it in advance, send it off to my doctor for signature and submission, and double-check that it’s all in place. No surprises. Just one less thing to think about.

📆 2. Schedule the Appointment

Once it’s confirmed, I schedule my appointment at Initio — ideally with enough time to mentally prepare and coordinate support. I know that my PET scans are currently scheduled in 3 month intervals, so I know when they are abouts. I also schedule a call with my local Oncologist for a few days after the scan to make sure I have someone to go over the results with me.....or a few people. The more the merrier.

🌙 3. High-Dose Melatonin Support

Every night I take a high dose of melatonin — 100 mg — as part of my anti cancer strategy. Two hours before a scan I take 300 mg. This might sound wild, but it isn’t random. It's not medical advice either.

Research supports melatonin’s ability to help protect healthy tissues from radiation-induced oxidative stress. A study published in the Second Opinion Newsletter noted that a single 300 mg dose taken before PET or CT scans significantly reduced radiation-related damage in immune cells.

The Riordan Clinic also recommends this dose as part of a protocol to mitigate radiation toxicity. It’s a key part of my pre-scan ritual — consult your care team if you are interested in adding this to your own regime.

🕐 4. Fasting

Before the scan, fasting is required — no food, just water for several hours prior. I take a snack to have right after I am out of the machine. Hungry Krista is no fun to be around haha

🧘‍♀️ 5. Relax Into the Unknown

There’s always uncertainty. What will it show? What will it mean? So many uncontollables. I breathe through it. I come back to trust. I just sit in silence and remind myself — you’ve done this before. You can do it again. No matter what happens, I will get through it.

🤝 6. Don’t Go Alone

I don't have to have someone with me, but it is nice. Even if they just wait outside.The presence of someone who loves me softens the edges of the experience. (Once you have the injection pre scan, you are radioactive and should avoid children and anyone who might be pregnant.

🧃 7. Water + Nourishment After

After the scan, I hydrate like it’s my job and have a healthy snack ready to help stabilize my energy and blood sugar. It makes a big difference. The faster you flush the better.

👕 8. What I Wear

Comfy clothes — always. No metal. No underwires. No zippers. Just cozy, breathable, easy layers. Because you don’t need your outfit to add to the stress or to affect the results.