Still waiting for my MRI scan, should be this week. Im not really sleeping well, my thoughts are all over the place and I'm so scared. I'm neurodiverse so my brain already over thinks everything so finding out I have cancer has made my brain and thoughts spiral. I just want someone to say it's all going to be ok, but nobody really knows do they. I'm just hoping it hasn't spread.
Hi Teeta sorry to hear about your ongoing diagnosis…… let’s look for answers and a plan soon.
I have been on my cancer journey for over 25 years, first diagnosed at 44 with my first type of rare (8 in a million incurable) lymphoma…… then reached stage 4 in late 2013 when a second rare type of Lymphoma (4 in a million) appeared……. but I am still here, living a great life and turning 70 at the end of the year.
No one can say it’s going to be ok…… but more than ever, cancer is very treatable. Back 20-30 years ago my results would have been much different and I would most likely not have been around talking with you today.
My great CNS (Cancer Nurse Specialist) often challenged my mind set….. especially during the more challenging times…… I did appreciate this and when it came to the anxiety of waiting for results, scans and the post treatment ‘what if’s?’ she told me……
“Mike the ‘cancer anxiety train’ is always sitting in the station....... but we can only get on it if we go to the ticket office and get a ticket....... don’t go in the queue and get a ticket…… go into another queue for something that you enjoy, that will distract you and that will bring joy and peace……. Mike you can throw all the stress and anxiety you can must up at this but the only thing it will do is make your stress and anxiety worse and then you get sick”
She was spot on…. in this journey…
Some things are outside your control.
Some things are within your control.
Spending a little time figuring out the difference can help you feel more in control.
Based on my long experience talking with people who are or have navigated the exact same journey helps a lot…….. I see that you have joined our Head and neck cancer support group.
This group is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
Why not put up a post in the group and introduce yourself to the group
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00…… this service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial/work guidance or just a listening ear.
Talking to people ‘face to face’ can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
((hugs))
These different stages are tickets for the anxiety train…… when you identify these look for the positive train 
