How Do You Cope with 'Scanxiety' As a Patient with Cancer?

August 11, 2020

On social media, CURE® recently asked its readers to share how they cope with anxiety leading up to their next scans. Here, we share some of their responses.

Each week on our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, CURE® asks its readers to share their thoughts with the #CureConnect discussion question.

Recently, a CURE^® Voices contributor wrote for our website and noted how he made a conscious effort to not let his anxiety ruin the days leading up to his next scan. That got us thinking, and we asked: “How do you cope with ‘Scanxiety’?”

Here’s what our readers shared:

“I own it. I tell those close to me I have it. I self-talk, (and) prepare myself for the possibility of more treatment.” — T.W.
“I think positive thoughts, pray, and realized all the worry and stress won’t change the outcome.” — D.H.
I was a caretaker for my wife. I, as a caretaker, used to stress to the point I needed anti-anxiety meds. My wife … she would say, “It is what it is.” (She’s) so much stronger than me.” — R.S.
Ativan, but my stomach still goes crazy. It was OK for a while, but this last PET scan was bad, and I will get results on Monday. Having to wait a week sucks, (and I) still have an upset tummy. But at least I can eat a little, hold on, relax and let go of things I can’t control; hopefully. — B.S.
I don’t tell anyone but my hubby and kids, so that we aren’t asked constantly if we have the results yet. That helps. We stay busy until they do. Once, we served food at the (local) food bank the day the results were expected. Then we tell everybody what’s going on! Stage 4 for eight years and five recurrences. I turn it over to God and tell him I trust him. And I mean that sincerely. — C.B.W.
I just try to relax; music helps a lot. But in the end, it is what it is, and I’ll deal with whatever the results are when I get them. — R.S.