Scanxiety tips and tricks

That's a good question. I'm have only had one scan this far.

What have you done to work through scanxeity

@denisestlouie

I do try to remember that (1) if there’s a problem, at least this go around it’s been caught very early wherever it may be and can be jumped on quickly (2) my body responded well to treatment last time and hopefully it would do so again (3) I’ve got plans in place to help me look after my 2 dogs, my house, my garden etc if I need to go back under treatment.

It does help but my dreams show I’m still stressed. Perhaps I do need therapy with a cancer specialist.

I'm 22 months into knowing I have stage 4 prostate cancer, metastasized to the bones. I go for scans every 6 months, blood work monthly. I like that they are keeping close eye on me. Sometimes it's a little stressful waiting for test results, but I'm still in the "well they will treat it" mode. After the initial shock there is no cure yet, but we can control it,. I just assume it's okay. I'm not sure how to answer the question how do I deal with the anxiety of test results, I guess I just figure it gives them a chance to deal with it. It does help me a lot reading on here how long others have had same issue as I have and they keep going. And come to think about it, that is probably the biggest reason, for me that it seems I'll be okay, hope this makes some kind of sense. Best to all

@stevecando54 That’s a great way to look at it. Thank you for sharing. Having those testimonies must be so helpful.

When I went in for HIPEC etc at the end of my 9 months of treatments, the head of oncology in the hospital corrected my misunderstanding it could be a cure. He said it was palliative and if it was successful I had a substantially improved percentage chance of making 5 years but a very low percentage chance of making 10 years. He said he personally had only come across one stage 4 appendix cancer patient in his whole career who had made 10 years. I told him I would, so he could say be knew 2 😊 I need to try and get that thinking back 🙏

I am sorry you are going through this. I believe is distract, distract, distract. The mind can only focus on one thing at a time so staying positive is #1. Unfortunately, the subconscious is harder if not impossible to control (but hey, if you have/had cancer you learn about the lack of control quickly if you are to get through it). Even talking about it helps because I realize I are not alone and it does take the focus off me. And the dogs, talking about living in the moment and pure joy and love.❤️

This post is well-timed and appreciated as I have my scans again next week for CNS lymphoma to ensure there is continued remission. Thank you @stevecando54 for sharing a great mindset for this issue that so many of us deal with. I agree that knowing my doctor is keeping an eye on my current remission and that he has a plan for any recurrence is all I can ask. Below is a great comment from a post by @kt2013 about survival statistics that I saved in my journal because it is so inspiring:

“One thing I learned and held dear was that the prognostic/survival statistics they share with you belong to other people….your story hasn’t been written yet. So, I my head, until proven otherwise, my survival was 100%.”

Sending best wishes to all for the best health possible.

I agree with the statistics, worry about one-you. And to add to the distract, imagine the best possible outcome and how you will feel. It’s your body that is letting you down, keep your mind strong if you can.

Yes I believe in the mind/body connection and that our cells are listening to all we think/say/feel - good or bad. Not an original concept I know and many members already practice visualization - but always worth repeating. 😊

You are such a trooper and so strong. My cancer was nothing compared to yours. I'm sorry I don't have any great advice but keep up your positive attitude. I prayed a lot and did not think about the future. Today is today and I try to make the best of it.

Sending you hugs and strength. Keep fighting! Your amazing! 🌺

Hi, @j0318

Praying for a good report for your scans next week. 🙏🏼