They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?

@loula. Best of luck to you, my dear. You know we’re all there with you in spirt and wishing you well. I’ve not had the procedure you’re having but I sure know the feeling of “anxiety level in the red zone”! It’s a relief to have your sister, ‘Team Loula” right with you! Air hugs!! You’ve got this!

@loula- I know the feeling! Having a bronchoscopy used to be my worst nightmare. But my GI guy put me out! I wasn't so afraid of what he would find (damage from my chemo?) as I was to the procedure. I hope that you can request to be put out. Even so, the technicians usually do the best because they do these so often.

I'm also glad that you have your sister with you. Please let us know how it goes.

Hi @loula, I'd like to add my welcome. Finding out that something isn't right, like finding a mass on the lung, is a really scary and anxiety-ridden time. As you see, you have many members here on Mayo Clinic Connect who will journey alongside you, listen to you, and, where appropriate, share tips and experiences to support you.

I hope you don't mind, but I changed the title of this discussion group to "They found a mass: How do you cope with anxiety and all the tests etc?" Believe it or not, this discussion will help many others too.

I know you're anxiety is running in over-drive right now. Who's wouldn't? Please try to take things one day at a time, even one hour at a time. Don't think about what the future may or may not hold. Today's focus is to do everything in your control today to help yourself for tomorrow. Is the weather nice enough to go out for a walk? What can you do to help you sleep well tonight to help you face tomorrow? Perhaps no frantic Google searches or no screen time in the evening, a nice warm bath if you like baths, meditation. What things work for you?

I am so thankful to have found this site, thanks for being there.
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Breathe, breathe, breathe. I remember the fear when first receiving my diagnosis. When you have your consult, have someone with you. They will remember things that you will not. Take a deep breath whenever you he anxiety builds and take one day at a time. I will think a cancer diagnosis awakens a person to so many other things.

@loula I also want to welcome you and reassure you that Merry has given you some very valuable information to start. Nothing you are going through is excessive for what is happening. I might add a couple things. Don’t go to that appointment alone. We all learn that both the emotion of the experience and quantity of information is more than any one person can retain. Or perhaps even hear. I continue to be amazed that no matter how long I have been doing this, or how comfortable and relaxed I think I am, sometimes my husband hears something I missed, or heard it differently from what I did. That other person can also take notes while you focus. Also, don’t hesitate to interrupt the doctor with any question you think of as they talk. It isn’t being rude, and is somewhat expected. And as Merry said, rely on whatever relaxation forms you have used in the past. Feel free to come back to us with whatever you want or need going forward.
Peace, Nancy

Hi @paanders, I see this is your first post. Welcome. When were you diagnosed? What type of cancer?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diagnosed in 2013. My father also had this type of cancer. And now have a niece with Thyroid cancer being treated at Mayo in Rochester, MN.

@loula- I wish you an easy time this morning and hope that all is well. I'm hoping to ride on your shoulder as a calming angel! Hang in there! You are stronger than you know!

everything went very well , Doctor advised my sister he did biopsy of my large lymph node and that more than likely the mass is cancer, will go and get results for biopsy next Thursday and doctor will explain options then. Thank you to everyone for being here it means so much to me.