What If? Embracing Hope During a Cancer Journey

During a cancer journey, anticipatory anxiety results in many of us asking ourselves what-if questions, which usually put our already fearful minds into an even more worrisome state. But we can take steps to espouse more hopeful thinking by reframing our expectations of the results of a CT scan from, "What if cancer spreads all over my body?" to "What if the metastases in my body are reduced by 50%?" Since your attitude has an effect on beating cancer, these changes can increase your chances of surviving.

Most of us who have received a cancer diagnosis can look back to a moment, before we got the result of a PET scan or a biopsy, when we thought, "What if I have cancer?" and there’s a good chance that that what-if question sent chills up our spines or brought on severe anxiety.

Seven and a half years after I was officially deemed cured, I have still struggled with waiting for the outcome of my annual follow-up CT scan. What if my cancer has recurred?

These what-if questions typically lead to what is called anticipatory anxiety, and cancer, other serious illnesses, and many other life stressors bring about fear and even terror. Despite the fact that I took the initiative in my 2007 divorce, I still felt incredibly lonely and unsure in the early days of my new life. I wrote the following inspirational(?) message to myself: "Just because something in the future is unknown does not mean that the outcome will be bad." It was as positive as I could be at that difficult time.

As I battled my stage 3b non-small-cell lung cancer, struggling but completing my chemotherapy regimen, then “acing” my radiation treatment plan, I was highly reluctant to allow myself to believe my oncologist as he mentioned, more and more frequently, the possibility of a cure for my disease. Cancer is a collection of formidable diseases, hard to beat, and also hard to maintain a positive attitude toward!

However, attitude is significant in being cured of cancer, and it is possible to finish “what if…” questions optimistically. One can turn the question around, from "What if…my cancer has metastasized further?" to "What if… my body is now cancer free?" Or, "What if the hour I waited in the cancer center results in a pleasant conversation with my sister and a new improved connection with her?"

Another way that a man can reframe expectations as he waits to get the PET, CT, or MRI scan is by wondering not "What if the medical staff are ok?" but "What if… the technician who gives me the test is totally understanding and compassionate; the radiologist agrees to read the scan immediately?"

Knowing that a positive attitude can improve cancer outcomes hopefully will lead all of us to more positive cancer journeys. Possibility thoughts often bring on optimism, motivation, and ease.

I know a woman who had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer three months before we met in 2021. Donna is an incredibly optimistic person, and I have no reason to believe that it’s a coincidence that she’s lived almost twice the predicted life expectancy for the average colon cancer patient. However, Donna has a very special gift of courage fueled by faith.

It’s typically very challenging for cancer patients to remain positive through the struggles of cancer treatment. In fact, it’s so difficult that it would be a good idea to give yourself a pat on the back for allowing yourself to take on a positive mindset and thus increase your likelihood of becoming a cancer survivor.

This piece reflects the author’s personal experience and perspective. For medical advice, please consult your health care provider.

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