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Romano then acknowledged that her next step is to get a PET scan and figure out how to have insurance companies cover it.

PET stands for “positron emission tomography.” It’s a type of nuclear imaging scan that uses small (and safe) amounts of a radioactive material called a radiotracer and a computer to look for cancer inside your body. One commonly used radiotracer is F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose, or FDG, which is similar to glucose (sugar). The tracer collects in the cancer, making it show up on a computer screen.

Because a PET scan can identify changes in your body at the molecular level, it can find cancer that’s not visible on other types of imaging tests. That gives PET scans “advantages over traditional anatomic imaging like CT scans, x-rays, or ultrasounds,” Dr. Jakub Svoboda, medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, tells SurvivorNet.

CT is short for “computed tomography.” It takes a series of x-rays from different angles and combines them using a computer into three-dimensional cross-sectional images of your bones and other tissues inside your body.

A PET/CT scan combines both of these tests into one machine to streamline the process. “Basically you’re getting two scans two for one,” Dr. Svoboda says.

RELATED: Having a PET/CT Scan? Here’s What to Expect

Romano continued, “I’m in Austin and I was able to meet, I was able to meet James Van Der Beek a bunch. His family is amazing. He’s a pillar of our community in Texas. They always were raising money for the most amazing charities. And he’s not with us anymore. And cancer is everywhere, which is why I got this test.

“I kind of was like in disbelief about it because I was filming and I was so happy to be back on set. And I didn’t want to really think about it much until I got home. And then I thought, I’ll just, you know, do the PET scan instead of having to just come back from the movie.”

Understanding PET Scans

The beloved actress then explained how this has been a “very vulnerable time” for her, as she’s working on her memoir and has recovered from being accidentally shot in the face while clay pigeon shooting a year ago.

“It’s time to have a strong sense of faith and know that it’s in God’s hands, most of it. I’m sure people think I’m overreacting, but I’m not,” Romano added, noting how having two young daughters makes a possible “stageable” diagnosis scarier.

“When you’re somebody like me, you kind of have to take life a day at a time. Really be grateful for like all the amazing stuff around you. And that’s why I always try to make jokes and I try to be funny, not just because I’m trying to be liked or stay relevant. I don’t share that a lot.”

Romano, who will continue seeking answers on her health journey and keeping her fans updated, then shared that her upcoming book will reveal new personal details.

We can’t help but admire her willingness to open up about something so deeply personal, and to do so with such honesty, is truly admirable.

Navigating Your First Cancer Appointments: Expert Tips For Staying Informed, Positive, And Resilient

She also wrote alongside her post, “Right now the news is that something is going on. I’m nervous and a bit scared (heck who wouldn’t be!). I’m going in for a PET scan later this week and hopefully it’s something easy to treat.”

“I debated whether or not I was going to post this because I was afraid I’d come off ‘cringe.’ But I decided it was my duty to share, so that people get out there and get screenings. Let’s keep the good vibes going and I will keep you all posted as I get more information.”

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Help Coping With a Cancer Diagnosis

If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, your emotions are likely to run high, which is completely normal. Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik says emotions are often fluid when coping with a diagnosis.

“The patient or person going through the stressful event should accept that emotions will be fluid. You may feel fine one day and then feel a massive wave of stress the next. It’s also important for those you look to for support, whether that’s a therapist, friends, family, or both, to understand the fluidity of stress-related emotions,” Dr. Plutchik said.

WATCH: How to cope with complex and changing emotions.

If a stressful event affects how you think and feel, it may be time to seek mental health treatment. This could involve traditional talk therapy, medication, modifying lifestyle habits (such as exercise and diet), joining a support group, or exploring other approaches.

SurvivorNet experts suggest that women need a little extra help coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.

• Let your family and close friends know, and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
• Keep a journal. It can be extremely cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a nice journal and chronicle your thoughts throughout the day.
• Join a cancer support group. Groups in nearly every community offer opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn constructive insight from others who can tell you what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
• Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.

For patients newly diagnosed, navigating the complex world of cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. Dr. Natasha Robinette, a neurological radiologist at Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, brings a unique perspective to this journey, not just as a medical professional but as someone who has personally faced cancer.

Diagnosed with a scalp sarcoma during her medical residency over 20 years ago, Dr. Robinette underwent extensive treatment, including multiple surgeries, before achieving long-term remission, giving her valuable insights that help her connect with patients on a deeper level.

“I can offer [patients] a little insight and say that I really do understand where they’re coming from,” Dr. Robinette previously told SurvivorNet.

“I’ve been in their position, and just kind of talking to them about how knowledge is power and to empower yourself by knowing more, learning more, and staying positive.”

From her experience as both doctor and patient, Dr. Robinette has some practical advice as patients deal with changes to their lives — including trying to navigate many appointments and meetings with cancer specialists.

Her tips include:

• Being prepared for potential delays in getting appointments, which can be mentally challenging when you’re anxious to begin treatment
• Bringing a support person to appointments who can take detailed notes
• Maintaining resilience through inevitable setbacks by staying informed about treatment options and focusing on achievable goals.

This approach helped Dr. Robinette not only recover but also show her loved ones that she could return to normal life activities despite her diagnosis.

It’s Okay to Keep Some Things Private

Some people battling a disease or cancer are open to sharing their experiences as much as they can, while others prefer to keep it to themselves or close loved ones. SurvivorNet experts say both approaches and everything in between are valid.

“Patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer sometimes wonder how they are going to handle the diagnosis of the cancer in social situations,” Dr. Plutchik explains.

Plutchik says patients consider questions like “How much information should they share and with whom should they share the information?”

Dr. Plutchik explains, “There is no one right way to handle this diagnosis. People should do what feels right to them.”

WATCH: Sharing your diagnosis.

A cancer journey can last months to years, which means cancer warriors may be experiencing a lot of uncertainty until they fully understand where their health stands. This uncertainty can influence when a cancer patient is ready to share their diagnosis, Dr. Plutchik further explained.

Dr. Plutchik stresses that those close to a person going through cancer should be respectful of their wishes when it comes to disclosing their diagnosis and seeking support.

Second Opinions on Your Cancer Diagnosis or Treatment: Do You Need One?

Once Romano has gone through all of the tests needed to diagnose her cancer and her doctor has recommended a course of action, she will likely, finally, feel a sense of resolution.

But no matter how qualified and experienced the doctor who diagnosed a patient is, there may be a lingering feeling about getting a second opinion. It’s OK to consider your doctor’s treatment recommendations as just the first step in figuring out what to do next.

Second (& Third) Opinions Matter When Deciding Between Surgery or Radiation

“If I had any advice for you following a cancer diagnosis, it would be, first, to seek out multiple opinions as to the best care,” National Cancer Institute chief of surgery, Dr. Steven Rosenberg, tells SurvivorNet. “Finding a doctor who is up on the latest information is important, and it’s always important to get other opinions so that you can make the best decisions for yourself in consultation with your care providers.”

A second opinion gives you the chance to explore other therapeutic options. Another doctor may offer a new perspective on your cancer, and possibly recommend treatments that are different than what the first doctor you saw suggested.

Related: Surviving Cancer Surgery: New Research Says The Hospital You Choose For Your Cancer Surgery Could Make a Life-Or-Death Difference

Getting another opinion may also help you avoid doctor biases. For example, some surgeons own radiation treatment centers. “So there may be a conflict of interest if you present to a surgeon that is recommending radiation because there is some ownership of that type of facility,” Dr. Jim Hu, director of robotic surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center, tells SurvivorNet.

Other reasons to get a second opinion include:

• To see a doctor who has more experience treating your type of cancer
• You have a rare type of cancer
• There are several ways to treat your cancer
• You feel like your doctor isn’t listening to you, or isn’t giving you good advice
• You have trouble understanding your doctor
• You don’t like the treatment your doctor is recommending, or you’re worried about its possible side effects
• Your insurance company wants you to get another medical opinion
• Your cancer isn’t improving on your current treatment

How Valuable Are Second Opinions?

Very valuable, research finds. A second opinion could change the course of your treatment, or even your diagnosis. In a study conducted at a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, a second opinion led to a different diagnosis for 43% of breast cancer patients who received one. The findings suggest that getting a second opinion is not only helpful, but it can affect the diagnosis.

Seeking advice from a different doctor can also help ease any fears you might have about whether you’re on the right treatment path. In another study, more than one-third of cancer patients sought a second opinion, and nearly 80% felt more assured after doing so.

How to Seek Out Another Opinion

Depending on the cancer center you visit, the process of getting a second opinion could be streamlined. Multidisciplinary cancer centers offer a variety of interventions — surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc. — under one roof. There, you may be encouraged to meet with several doctors during the course of the diagnostic process.

If you don’t have the benefit of being at one of those centers, ask the doctor who diagnosed you for a referral. Don’t worry about hurting your doctor’s feelings. Oncologists are used to having their patients ask for second opinions. In fact, many of them welcome it.

Related: Seeking Care at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

Ask an oncology social worker at your current hospital to help you navigate the process of getting a second opinion. You can also seek out another opinion on your own, by searching for cancer specialists in your area through an organization like the American Society for Clinical Oncology.

For your second opinion, consider seeing a doctor who has a different specialty than the person who first diagnosed you. If you saw an oncologist the first time, you might visit a surgeon, radiologist, or medical oncologist the second time around.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to stop at a second opinion. Provided that you have the time and financial resources, you may want to go ahead and get a third or a fourth opinion. Just don’t get so many opinions that your treatment options overwhelm you.

With each new doctor you visit, bring a copy of your:

• Pathology report from your biopsy or surgery
• Surgical report
• Imaging tests
• Treatment plan that your current doctor recommended

Will My Insurance Cover the Cost?

Most health insurance companies will cover the cost of a second opinion. Still, it’s a good idea to find out if yours does before you visit a new doctor.

Ask your insurance company how much of your visit will be covered (consultation, tests, etc.), and what you’ll have to pay out of pocket. Also make sure the doctor you plan to visit is in network. Otherwise, you could wind up with unexpected bills.

Finding Your Base of Support

Many cancer patients are encouraged to build a community of supporters to help them along their cancer journey. The support group can be comprised of close family and friends. It may also involve a mental health professional or online support groups available on social media.

Every survivor SurvivorNet has had the opportunity to speak with and detail their own way of coping, whether it’s exercise, advocacy, or meditation.

RELATED: How Cancer Patients & Survivors Find a Lifeline on Social Media Platforms; How to Find the Right Group for You

Ovarian cancer survivor Kelly Sargent found a sisterhood of supporters among women she met at a Bible study group, which eventually became an essential part of her support network.

WATCH: The Benefit of Support Networks for Cancer Patients.

“When I was diagnosed, as soon as I got in the hospital, I started going online to find not only information, but also support groups, stories from survivors, anything that I could find as far as my treatment, I definitely looked for,” Sargent told SurvivorNet.

“I have an incredible set of friends that I met after my diagnosis through a Bible study group that have become very, very close friends of mine that are an incredible part of my support system. That support from those ladies has been life-changing for me,” Sargent continued.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, it’s highly important to ask your doctor informed questions to understand your condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. These questions can serve as a starting point for your discussion with your doctor so you can feel empowered as you navigate your cancer journey.

• What type and stage of cancer do I have, and what does this mean for my prognosis?
• What treatment options are available, and what are the potential benefits and risks?
• How will the proposed treatment plan impact my daily life, including work, family, and social activities?
• Are there any clinical trials or experimental treatments I may be eligible for?
• How can I manage treatment side effects and maintain my overall well-being during treatment?
• How will my cancer diagnosis and treatment affect my emotional health and what support resources are available to help me cope?

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

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