Real Talk: Scanxiety

SCAN-ANXIETY: the period leading up to monthly/annual cancer scans AND the time period once scans have been completed until the results come in. We all know when the time comes to get scans done, it is a bittersweet feeling. Sure, we are ecstatic to be done with treatments, to be declared in remission, or “cancer free”. But there is a mess of emotions, anxiety, and fear that can come flooding back into your life, mind, and body. It’s hard not to let these feelings take over, and to be quite honest, although it’s  “normal” (insert eye roll) it feels like someone is knocking the wind out of you each time it occurs. I have learned over the past few years some tips/tools to help ease the scanxiety we all go through. I pass them on to you (all) in hopes they help you as you carry on with your journey.

4 Ways to Cope:

Acceptance

I am going to start off by suggesting acceptance because I honestly believe it is the hardest of all the tips to grasp. Please know, it takes TIME and much healing to get to a place of acceptance. Trust me, anyone who hasn’t been through cancer, will never get it. They will support you and be there for you, but they will never truly understand the range of emotions we feel and that we are paralyzed with. Accepting that you cannot change this reality, accepting that you cannot control this reality, and accepting that this is part of your healing process will help you release resistance around it. It doesn’t mean all the feelings go away, and the anxiety isn’t present, but it allows you to “let go” and embrace where you are at now. And there is something freeing in that of itself.

Community

Do you have a community to lean on? Support groups? Facebook group? Insta tribe? Do you have someone in your life who has been through cancer, someone that has helped you cope? This is the time to lean on them. Lean on the community of people that DO know what you are going through. Especially during the time period when you are waiting for results to come back. Embrace the love people want to shower you with. Communicate your fears, doubts, worries, and don’t hold anything inside. Letting it out and talking to people who have been there can provide an immense amount of mental relief. And it is a total reminder that you are NOT alone in this feeling, moment, chapter, etc.

Be Present

Sometimes it is easy to numb yourself when you are going through these scary scanxiety situations. And to be honest, it is a coping mechanism and not necessarily a bad thing. However, being present to what feelings are coming up as scans are approaching is important. What is most triggering for you? Notice how your body is reacting, do you get tense? Have panic attacks? Shorter breathing patterns? Recognizing this can begin to allow yourself to deal with it and find ways to cope around how to alleviate the anxiety. Also, not concentrating on the past or future allows you to be fully PRESENT in the MOMENT, which reduces anxiety overall. This means not focusing on the future outcome, but doing what you can to stay resilient in the here and now.

 Plan Ahead

You know yourself. Is the time period leading up to scans the worst for you? Or is it waiting for the results? Or both? Planning ahead allows you to put this anxious energy into play. For example, scheduling scans close to your oncology appointment allows you to know you will get the results very fast and the waiting game will be shorter and more manageable. Also, possibly setting up a coffee date or lunch date with a friend or community support person on the same day as your scans can allow you to have something to look forward to. Furthermore, planning something you have been wanting to do or work on for the time period between scans and results can help you stay busy and also feel accomplished. For example, putting together a vision board, rearranging your closet, shopping, a road trip or even a day trip, a hike you have been looking forward too, etc. Do something that will bring you joy and reduce anxiety. Planning ahead can save you from your mind taking over.

The Takeaway

Hang in there. It’s hard mitigating all the emotions of scans and the present reality you are in. Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to grieve, be present in the moment, and reflect. Try experimenting with these techniques and see what works best for you and pass it along to others. Sending you all the good vibes!