SCANXIETY PART 1

Let's talk a bit about Scanxiety. 

                                  

WHAT IS SCANXIETY?

Scanxiety is short for scan anxiety, a typical response to having any type of cancer-detecting scan. Whether the scan is being done for diagnosis, to monitor ongoing treatments, or to check for a recurrence, it really doesn't matter; the stress and worry associated with these scans can wreak havoc on our emotional well-being. 

Not everyone experiences a full-blown episode of scanxiety. Some people may only experience minor anxiety, while others, like myself, feel intense panic or distress.

In talking to the people in my cancer support group, I realized that for some, scanxiety only occurs after their scans while waiting on results.

BEFORE SCANS

For some people (me...me...me!), the stress and anxiety begin as soon as a scan has been scheduled. I immediately start to worry that the scans might show something to indicate I am no longer in remission. What if my treatments are no longer working?
 
DURING SCANS

I suffer from claustrophobia, so I have a tough time inside a small, cramped scanner. Even those who aren't claustrophobic might feel uncomfortable and even a little panicked. Also, some of the tables you have to lie on are hard, and you might find it difficult to lie still in one position for a long time. 

Although I'm no longer as stressed over the actual scans as I once was now that I've experienced (and survived!) multiple CT, Bone, PET, and MRI scans, I still have to fight the feelings of claustrophobia each time. My doctor is aware of my claustrophobia and prescribes Xanax to take before scans, which helps immensely.

AFTER SCANS

After a scan, I think it's very normal to experience scanxiety. Waiting for the results of a scan can be torture! My doctor always schedules an appointment for about a week after any scans to discuss the results with me. The results are usually posted on the patient portal a few days before my doctor's appointment, but trying to decipher the medical terminology yourself can be dangerous. I once spent days needlessly worrying over something I misinterpreted as bad news. I think it's best to wait for the doctor to explain all the medical language, but it's tough. I don't wait well.

SO, WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SCANXIETY?

The following can be signs of scanxiety:

• Trouble sleeping.

• Not feeling hungry.

• Trouble focusing.

• Faster heart rate and possibly higher blood pressure than usual.

• Moodiness

• Having sad or worrying thoughts.

• Fear of a recurrence or spreading of cancer.

TIPS TO HELP MANAGE SCANXIETY

Acknowledge your feelings. Allow yourself to feel angry, scared, or just plain ticked off. You might tend to tear up or become emotional easier than normal (which ticks me off), so just acknowledge what's going on and be gentle with yourself.

Distract yourself. Do something you enjoy: Binge-watch a TV show, read a book, listen to music, eat your favorite food, or call a friend to take your mind off your worries and anxiety.

Meditate. Whether your method of meditation happens to be yoga, praying, listening to calming music, or just sitting quietly and releasing those negative thoughts in your head, find what helps you relax and do it. 

Find your mantra. Adopting a positive mindset can help to alleviate some of those worries of scanxiety. For example, you can compose a list of inspirational quotes or motivational affirmations to comfort you during this difficult time.

Share your story. I decided to start a blog initially to share my story with those who might be facing a new diagnosis, hoping I might, in some small way, help them through their cancer journey. However, I discovered that blogging can also help me take my mind off my anxiety by talking to people going through a similar situation.

And why am I writing about scanxiety today? Because this past Wednesday, I had bone and CT scans. I have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow, and right now, I'm trying to avoid that patient portal! 

I'm going for a short walk right now before this scanxiety gets out of control! 

I'll be back after my doctor's visit with SCANXIETY PART 2-SCAN RESULTS. Good thoughts and prayers are appreciated!