Morning all
Not been on here here for what seems like ages ( sorry ) but i'm now 5 session down with 1 more to go in couple of weeks .
It's been a trying time but i'm getting through this , i have had 3 sessions of the rchop where i was in for the day and had 2 sessions
of r-dhap so for where i have had to be admitted for what turned out to be a few days . All good so far but all the additional drugs they
give me feels like i am rattling lol . Means to an end i know but it is hard to keep up with what you got to take and when . When i go in for my
last session i will be told what happens next , i expect to have a scan at some point to see if this chemo has done its job fingers crossed . I'm
positive and just wait the results and then move on from there . I have made the most of the good days but also listened to my body on the
not so good days and rested . Nervous of what is to come but will stay positive . Hope everyone is ok and your process is going well .
catch up soon and i won't leave it as long !!
Dancar66
Hi Dancar66 and thanks for your update.
Your approach is certainly the best way forward, you can’t do much about the bad days but celebrating the not so bad days lifts the spirit.
Good to hear from you Dancar66 and well done getting through your treatment.
I have had many post treatment scans over my 26 years…….. most were very good….. a few were not so good but that said….. if required there are tools in the Heamatology tool box for the possibility of a not so good scan.
In the early days I sat with my great CNS (Cancer Nurse Specialist) and she was very honest “Mike, you can stress and fret as much as you want when you are coming up to scan time but the reality is you can throw all the stress and anxiety in the world at this and it won’t make any difference to the outcomes but the one certainty is - stress does make you ill…… control the battle between the ears and only worry when you are told there is something to worry about”….. and she has been spot on over all these years.
I found this article very helpful
What Is Scanxiety and How Can You Manage It?……. Choose Hope
The first time you read or hear it, “scanxiety” may look and sound like a funny word. However, when you are going through it, there is nothing funny about this very real condition. From the first scan following a doctor’s suspicious discovery to the pos.t treatment PET scan, the fear and worry that accompanies imaging appointments can take a significant toll on your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Fortunately, you can take steps to minimise and cope with the sometimes-overwhelming emotions you feel.
Acknowledge your Feelings
Don’t try to ignore the way you feel, as this can actually increase your anxiety. Instead, recognise and even embrace your scanxiety. This first step empowers you to take action, move forward and manage your emotions, helping you find peace and feel more in control of your own life.
Talk about It to the Right People
Venting your fears and frustrations to people close to you can be a wonderful way to release stress and gain vital support. However, if you have folks in your life who tend to exacerbate your worries or load you up with even more concerns (and really, who doesn’t have that one friend or family member?), avoid sharing too much with them.
Practice Mindful Living
Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Look for ways to live in the moment. Hug your little boy and inhale deeply, noting the mingled fragrance of fresh earth and shampoo. Stroke your husband’s face and think about the way his soft stubble brushes your hand. Savour a particularly flavourful meal. Relish in the here and now.
Distract Yourself
Find ways to take your mind off the upcoming scan, at least for a while. Dig into a novel or binge watch a series that completely engrosses you. Turn up your favourite music and tackle a chore you’ve been putting off for too long. Hang out with that one friend who has a gift for making you laugh. Schedule some time to enjoy your favourite hobby without interruption. If you have trouble letting go, imagine setting your worries in a “to do later” box and tell yourself you can pick them up when you’re done.
Ask Questions
Sometimes, the unknown is the greatest instigator of anxiety. If you are unclear about anything – from what to expect during the scan, to when and how you can expect to receive your results, to what those results might mean - don’t be afraid to ask your doctor. Having a well-defined understanding of what you will or might experience allows you to be better prepared and can even ease your mind.
Plan for the Worst Outcome…
Along with knowing what could possibly come of your scan, creating a strategy for the worst case scenario can improve your sense of control. By no means should this be perceived as giving up or being resigning yourself to bad news. Cancer can make you feel powerless, but creating a basic action plan just in case can help you regain your power as well as your optimism.
…but Visualise the Best Outcome
Your mind is more powerful than you might realise. Visualisation and guided imagery have been shown to improve your mood, control symptoms or side effects and even boost your immune system. Imagine yourself receiving great news after your scan. Allow yourself to experience the feelings of relief, gratitude and elation. Think about these things as though you are remembering them. Seeing it in your mind’s eye can give you the encouragement you need to overcome your scanxiety.
This link….Questions to ask your medical team about lymphoma has a section dealing with post treatment questions you may look to get answered ((hugs))
