What emotional hurdles are you facing?
We often talk about scans, treatments, and side effects, but we know the emotional weight can be just as heavy.
Whether it’s 'scanxiety,' feeling misunderstood by friends, or just a heavy cloud you can't quite shake—what emotional hurdle is on your mind this week?
frequently have scanxiety approximately 2 weeks before my scan and while waiting for my results.... Heavy cloud starts about a month before my scans... try to stay in the moment by taking a walk or short hike... it helps ..... liken to the "sword of Damocles" that sort of colors any planning.
- Thanks for sharing your experience. You definitely are not alone in dealing with scanxiety. That looming feeling is a lot to bear mentally. It's good to hear you're finding walks and short hikes helpful. I hope you can continue to find ways to get through and please know you can lean on our community for support. Best wishes, Sarah (LungCancer.net Team Member) I find the not knowing for absolute certain and the waiting for test results the absolute worst it must be just as horrendous for my family, I feel once I know I can get on with whatever I must do to get rid of it
, I agree. IS your doctor good about providing feedback once results are returned? - Warmly, Donna (Team Member) hello, the not knowing and uncertainty of scan results is definitely difficult. I had an asthma attack a couple of days ago which led to an emergency CT to check it wasn’t clots on the lungs. Sat in my side room awaiting results was just as bad as having to wait 5 days at home with every 12 week CT! I personally hate the scanners but I know it’s needed so I grit my teeth, put on my ‘lucky’ eye mask and just get it over it. I await results by trying to leed a full and normal life. I meet friends for coffee, go for walks, look after my grandchild once a week, or go to the pool or beach for the afternoon. I try not to sit around giving my brain time to mull over what if’s because I like to stay focused and positive, which is not always easy. Hope you have a good day today.
Scan anxiety is a real thing atleast it was always for me 1st the 6 month wait then the week for results is the worse
You're not alone - we hear about scanxiety so often here. I'm linking you to a guide with some tips for managing: https://lungcancer.net/living/coping-with-scanxiety. Have you found anything helpful leading up to and while waiting for your results?
-Sarah (LungCancer.net Team Member)
