When you start thinking about what could happen with your cancer diagnosis.......

Coloman

What gives you Hope that everything will turn out alright?

JaneA

I tried not to let my mind go into those dark places. While it's true that sometimes these thoughts suddenly strike us, we do have the power to make a U-turn with our mind and not go there.

What if this? What if that? It's all too much for us to contemplate. My rectal cancer was Stage IV at diagnosis - it was shocking that I could be that "sick" and not feel sick. My medical team was encouraging so I adopted the philosophy that I wouldn't worry unless they had a serious concern. That has worked for me.

I have scans coming up next week. Sure, I'll be concerned but there isn't a single thing that will change what the scan shows.

Every person is different. I am inherently an optimist so it's relatively easy for me to that I might be one of those who has a positive outcome. I don't know if this helps, but worrying about things that we can't change ruins the days that we left whether it's a year, 5 years, 10 years or 30 years.

cllinda

I spent many sleepless nights with a case of the What If's. Sometimes you just have to ignore them. Trust your doctors, try to read up on your disease and just hope for the best. Seems hard to do but sometimes, that is what is needed.
Also, to have a good friend be your shoulder to cry on really can help. My bestie would take me out for coffee and just let me get things off my chest, without judgement, criticism, or solutions. And I would feel better. She knows how much I value her shoulder and friendship.

Dawsonsmom

Clinda, your bestie is awesome!! Having someone who just listens without judgment is a gift not everyone has. Kiss her face for being there for you. :-)

2943

Those who do not have a real human, have us. While I admit to becoming pessimistic (given a 20%chance of being around 5 years) when diagnosed with third primary cancer. The load of having to fight a third time and then a reoccurance was a heavy load. Modern medicine, clinical trials, immunotherapy have given the docs and me a positive outlook. More than one oncologist has called me amazing and I am trying to continue that. I get scanxiety and all just like many others. One foot in front of the other, Troops!

po18guy

Belief in the transcendent.

BoiseB

I am not one to rely on hope. I rely on just plain orneriness. I made a bet with my Dr. that I would survive 5 years past the prognosis. He chickened out and quite clinical practice to go into research a month before the bet ended. Big Coward. I also recommend developing a dark sense of humor. Laughter can really drive those demons away.
I also love po18guy's suggestion.

BuckeyeShelby

Both my surgeon and my medical oncologist were positive they got it all. 7 and a half years after a stage IV diagnosis, I'm still NED. 15% chance I'd make it to 5 yrs. Guess I'm stubborn....