Worrying about the Future

Yesterday, someone was talking to me about waiting  to have a scan...she was terrified..."What if it shows something is there?  What if it is back?"  So many people who have had cancer or other life threatening experiences continue to live looking over their shoulder....fearful that something is going to happen.

Generally, I don't do this...Don't get me wrong, there were times in this journey when I did...it is only human nature, but I have never let that fear run (or ruin) my life.

 The way I look at it is like this....This is a daylily...each flower lasts just one day....but oh, during that one day, it is just glorious....Does it worry about the fact that tomorrow it won't be? That it will be an ugly husk of  a flower? No.  In fact, it is as it should be....the flower served to pollinate another flower and the plant will make seeds.

We have the ability to continue to look over our shoulders at something which might happen....something we have very little control over...or we have the ability to look forward.  I suggest looking forward...you're less likely to fall on your bum.

Some things to consider.  If you are really having difficulty dealing with fear of recurrence or fear of scans/tests, then I suggest that you talk to your oncologist or general practitioner. Perhaps some counseling will help, either through a therapist or perhaps a trusted clergy person.  Some people do find that they need anti-depressants or anti-anxiety drugs.  In fact, one person I know has to take a sedative before getting a PET scan because she is so wound up about it.

I would also highly recommend yoga, qi gong, and meditation.  All three practices focus on the here and now...not yesterday, not tomorrow, but the now.  Concentration on breathing helps when you have an anxiety attack, and meditation can also help in how you approach your fears or anxiety attacks...and indeed they have proven to improve your general health.