What does scanxiety mean? It’s a term adopted by cancer patients to describe the stress and anxiety that accompanies a set of scans. Most people in my position have scans every 3 months in order to monitor and evaluate where they’re at with the progression or regression of their cancer. These are usually in the form of PET CT or MRI scans. They can be of one specific area, or of the entire body. The weeks leading up to a scan can turn even the most chilled out human being in to a complete nervous wreck! I know this first hand, as I currently have scans looming.

Why do we worry so much about things in life that we have zero control over? Me worrying, is absolutely not going to change the outcome of my scans. Yet, we can’t stop ourselves. It’s inevitable of course – so much is riding on the results. But I’m scared that this is my life now – every 3 months. During treatment, patients worry about their regimen working. After remission, they worry about a recurrence. It’s emotional roulette!

I’ve been doing some research on coping mechanisms, and how best to ride the anxiety wave. Distraction seems to be number one, whether that be films, books, work, shopping? I’ve decided Nate Norton, my 2 year old son is probably the best distraction out there. Small children have an incredible ability to live wholly in the moment. For them, all that matters is what’s happening right now. Nate isn’t even worrying about what he is having for dinner this evening, let alone what might happen in 2 weeks time. I’m going to try my hardest to follow his lead, as it looks pretty fun from where I’m standing, and may ease some of the anxiety ahead of scan day.