Coping with anxiety while waiting

@ventibug This is a great discussion topic. I suppose we all handle this type of anxiety differently. I have not found a one-size-fits-all method for dealing with the anxiety of the waiting process. I generally get quite anxious before upper endoscopies, MRIs, etc. I figure it is part of the process for me. If there is one thing I could suggest, it might be to accept the fact that you are going to be anxious. Do as many of the things you listed in your post above, but when the anxiety hits, accept it and try to move on as best you can.

Teresa

HI TERESA, MY NAME IS CHUCK, I AM A SAILOR AND NOT SMART WITH WORDS, IE,ANXIOUS , WHEN OUT A SEA, I AM ANXIOUS TO GET HOME. BUT I DONT LIKE ANY THING ABOUT MY CANCER. BBUUT I SURE LIKE GETTING HOME. RESP. CHUCK.

I am dealing with only 20% kidney functionality - not really the same issues as your illness. I am not sure when I will am going to have to start dialysis but I know it will have to at some point.
I am on pins and needles every time I have to see Dr ( now it will be nurse NEULOGY - will be seeing me approx every month. So nerve racking. I really would like more info per visit. This waiting is awful.

Hello @54321 and welcome to Mayo Connect.

I am glad that you posted about your anxiety about waiting. Even though the health issues are different - the stress of waiting remains the same, doesn't it?

You mention wanting to get more info per visit. That is a great idea. It is good to advocate for yourself and get as much information as you need to be comfortable about what it going on with your health.

Have you considered writing down the questions you would like to have more information about and then asking the doctor or nurse? Sometimes this will help to organize your thoughts before the visit.

I look forward to hearing from you again as we all continue our waiting.

Teresa

@cweeks18 Hi Chuck:

Your words are just great! None of us like anything about cancer - I agree. I can understand your anxiety about being at sea and wanting to get home. Can you share with us some ideas or activities that help you when you are away from home?

Teresa

Thank you so much for getting back so soon. My next appointment is June7th for echocardiogram (Dr thinks maybe I have some from kidney issue) June7th
June 8th -visit with nurse np - to "review my Kidney function "( blood draw June7 ) and echo
" and what to EXPECT with you"
I had portaled my MAYO nurse who sent these quotes to me.
I call my husband at work he said the info will come down the tube weather you are nervous or not.
OH my. This does not make me feel calm. Oh I know it's true but hard not to get annoyed (even panicky ) when so many things up in the air.
Yes I will with Daniel make a comprehensive list of our concerns. HE WILL BE USING HIS TABLET TO RECORD THE ANSEERS. Some of them will be ojt6of the nurses ability to answer - at this meetinv5
I pray the next meeting will not be 6 weeks away.
5 weeks ago my dr(all my Dr are at mayo) ended our visit 1with 20% bombshell.
DANIEL AND I WERE IN SHOCK AND HARDLY SPEAK -LET ALONE ASK FUTHER QUESTIONS.
"

@ventibug thank you for starting this topic. Have you heard the term "Scanxiety"? I don't think there is a cancer patient out there who hasn't faced the anxiousness when a test date approaches. I'm tagging @cindylb @sepdvm @allisonsnow @alpaca @saltis @kristennursepatient to share their thoughts. I think this will be a discussion that many members will jump into.

HI TERESA, THANK YOU. LONG AGO, I ENJOYED STANDING BRIDGE WATCH AT NIGHT. THE STARS ARE SO BIG AND THE SEA IS SMOOTH.. I ALWAYS THANKED GOD FOR MY LIFE AND THIS DAY. AND FOR YOU, AS YOU TOO HELP . VERY RESP. CHUCK.

I had a brain cat scan at Mayo yesterday and will be needing open brain surgery in a few weeks. I feel extremely anxious and scared. The anticipation of the “what if’s” that could happen is the scariest.

@cweeks18 Hello Chuck:

Thank you for sharing this great thought. Like many of us I see that observing nature helps you to relax! That is a good plan. When we see the world through nature, our problems take a back seat to the world and that is good.

Teresa