Scanxiety

It’s a thing. I’ve had a variety of scans throughout life and I’ve managed through them. Having a cancer diagnosis certainly increases the chances of not great results.

The days leading up to and after scans are tough. I have researched lots of support articles to try to figure out how to manage through these days the best I can. There are several tip lists with suggestions like keep busy, meditate, exercise, talk to others etc. Which is great advice. 

While keeping busy and exercising, one still has thoughts running through their mind and I feel it's important to manage those instead of ignoring them. So here are a few thought responses I have when my scary thoughts roll in.

“I have an amazing medical team that will help me through whatever challenge I face.” – this was given to me from a dear friend and fellow ovarian cancer survivor that has helped me a lot this year.  It brings me great resolve.

“I will cross that bridge when I have more information” - Don’t get ahead of yourself.

“Worrying won’t change the results”  - If anything it’s going to make you lose sleep and feel exhausted.

“ I have a good support system in place.” – Having supportive family and friends that I know are praying for me and always there to help us out.

These really help shut down the negative thoughts and worries that may infiltrate your brain while waiting for your scan results.  I haven’t quite figured it all out yet but I’m a work in progress.

Some advice for the support system people. Knowing you are there for us when we need you, that’s the biggest support you can give.  You don’t have to come up with any fancy words or fixes. Just simply be present. A laugh or two is always a good relief.

Awareness - Shingles

 About a year ago, I was in the process of getting life back on track. Well, I wasn't even aiming for a track but basically just trying to get one foot in front of the other. I had completed my 16 weekly chemo treatments in early September, so I had plans.

I came out of the gate running so to speak. I started with a 10 km walk on Terry Fox day surrounded by many family and friends.  I eagerly signed up for the Stay Strong program at the YMCA, a wonderful fitness program now available to all cancer patients. It felt so good to be back at it. 

In mid November, our middle daughter had a weekend basketball tournament in Quebec City. Who says no to a road trip with their two teen daughters? :-)   Our oldest met up with her BFF in Bishops and we got to shop and  visit the Christmas Market in Old Quebec with some of her teammates and families. It was a lovely trip! 

The Monday after we arrived home, I took some downtime to catch up on rest. I was having some nasty eye pain but thought it might be from my ongoing sinus issues or a migraine coming on.  The next day, I booked an appointment with an optometrist as the eye pain had escalated.  They checked me out and suggested I get a new RX for glasses.  I wasn't convinced that would fix my issue, so I  saw my family physician the next day and was treated for a sinus infection.  By that evening, I was feeling worse pain, nausea, and a little red 'dot: on my forehead appeared.  My husband obviously knew as soon as he saw the spot on my forehead what was going on. Shingles, of course, why not add that to my ever growing list of diagnoses. 

I was able to get started on an antiviral medication and had to see an ophthalmologist urgently as my eye seemed to be affected. The rash worsened rapidly. I had nausea and vomiting for a couple of days and the nerve pain continued for weeks. My eye worsened and my vision became cloudy and then declined. I was followed by an ophthalmologist for months after.  It was very unpleasant. 

For others going into cancer treatment, I recommend asking your medical team about getting vaccinated for shingles. It is recommended for people over 50 to get the vaccine, since I was 44 at the time it was never mentioned or even thought about. My weakened immune system due to chemo and cancer increased my chances. I lost part of my vision and it had quite an impact on my healing process, I will be getting my shingles vaccination soon. 

Hope this can help someone