Living Between Cancer Scans

Coping with Life’s Uncertainties

Life often presents us with unexpected challenges and uncertainties. For families facing cancer, these challenges can feel especially daunting, particularly when it’s a child who has been diagnosed. Markedly, the journey that follows is filled with uncertainty, fear, and numerous medical appointments. And one of the most challenging parts of this journey for both patient and family, is living between cancer scans.

Waiting for Results

Waiting for results can be excruciating as the hours tick away waiting for the results. And until these results are heard, there are so many questions that haunt every moment. Including such thoughts as did the cancer grow, metastasize, stabilize, shrink, or disappear completely? And these questions often linger leading up to the next set of scans.

But living between cancer scans can be manageable and perhaps a little less daunting. With this in mind, in this blog post, we’ll explore what it’s like for patients and families to navigate the rollercoaster of emotions, hope, and resilience living between these crucial scans. And we’ll offer insights, tips, and encouragement for those traveling on this journey. As a matter of fact, many of these words come directly from those written by Mikey Friedman, Founder of Mikey’s Way.

Living Between Scans – the Anxiety of Waiting

For cancer survivors and patients, living between scans can be a time of anticipation and uncertainty. Until the results are heard, the waiting can be unbearable as the mind races with questions and worries. It’s only natural to have questions like, “Has the cancer returned? Was the treatment the right course to take? What are the next treatment steps if the cancer has returned? Have we done enough to prevent a recurrence?” It’s not just the fear of bad news; it’s also the fear of the unknown. Moreover, families often struggle with not knowing what to expect or how to prepare for potential outcomes. Dealing with this anxiety can be a daily struggle, but it’s possible to learn ways to cope better and channel this angst into hope and resilience.

Living between cancer scans requires learning to cope with uncertainty. As a matter of fact, Mikey Friedman reflected on his experiences waiting between cancer scans referring to them as “two-month.“ He wrote, “Scans occur every two-month exactly. Exactly. And so, I count time from scan to scan. You see, if time is going to defeat me, it will be on the turning of a two-month. With this knowledge, I strive to find the time to live in between the dreadful two-month interval.”

Having a Positive Outlook

While it’s natural to have concerns, it is essential to maintain a positive outlook. “But it is difficult sometimes.” Mikey wrote, “As I sit here, pondering my upcoming scans in about0.05 two-months, I think: if all goes well, I’ll get to live carefree until December. Or I think: what fun things do I have planned before the next two-months. I always think about what events buffer the next two-month, and I look forward to these buffers with excitement. After all, you never know what two-month could be your last.”

Mikey became as he wrote, “very efficient at overcoming the two-month.” He described living between cancer scans in moments. “I live my life savoring every moment.” he said, “That’s right: the moment. The best time measurement of all. Don’t count in your arbitrary second. I shouldn’t count in the foreboding two-month. Count in the moment. Every time I hang out with a friend, every time I complete some work for school or for sport with pride, every time a I see a child with cancer smile as I hand him a gift, every
time I touch someone I love, the grand clock ticks. And the hand of time marches on in the moment.”

It’s ok to have concerns, but it’s essential to embrace positivity. Mikey focused on the present, he celebrated small joys, and cherished the moments that brought happiness. As he wrote, “celebrate small victories, and cherish every moment of joy.” Mikey savored every moment.

Balancing Normalcy and Medical Reality

Living between cancer scans means striking a delicate balance between maintaining some sense of normalcy whilst dealing with the harsh reality of cancer treatment. Indeed, keeping your child’s life as normal as possible should become a priority. Furthermore, it’s crucial for their emotional well-being and resilience. A sense of normalcy can provide stability and a distraction from the constant worry.

Emotional Rollercoaster as You are Living Between Cancer Scans

The emotional toll on patients and families living between cancer scans cannot be overstated. It’s a continual rollercoaster ride with high highs and low lows as hope and despair intermingle each day. Even seemingly small changes in a patient’s condition can trigger a host of emotions. One moment, you might feel the elation of positive news from the last scan, and the next, you may be grappling with a setback. This emotional rollercoaster can lead to exhaustion and a constant state of attentiveness and focus, but it’s also where families can find their inner strength and resilience.

Living between cancer scans requires learning to cope with uncertainty. It’s about finding peace and acceptance amidst the uncertainty and the unknown while striving to lead a fulfilling life.

Open Communication with the Healthcare Team

It’s important for parents to build open and honest communication with their child’s healthcare team. Share your worries and questions with the team. Follow their guidance for post-treatment care and monitoring. Knowing that you have a trusted medical team supporting you and your child can help alleviate anxiety.

Education is Empowerment Living Between Cancer Scans

Take this time to educate yourself about your child’s cancer type, treatment options, and potential signs of recurrence. Knowledge is empowering, and understanding what to look out for can give you a sense of control over your child’s health.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques can help you and your child stay grounded and reduce anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and accepting your feelings, you can find peace amidst uncertainty. You can read more about mindfulness in our blog posts, Mindfulness: Mind-Body Therapy and Mind Body Practices.

The Power of Your Support Network

Your support network is invaluable during this time. Friends, family, and support groups become lifelines for families living between cancer scans. Rely on your friends and family for emotional support. Explore the option of joining cancer support groups or seek guidance from a therapist who specializes in cancer-related issues.

Looking Towards the Future

Living between cancer scans is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences a family can face. It’s not about mere survival; it’s about embracing life with renewed hope and determination, regardless of the uncertainties that cancer may bring. It can be where hope shines brightest as you learn to celebrate every good day, every milestone, and every bit of progress.

Living between cancer scans is undoubtedly a challenging journey filled with complexities and uncertainties, However, it’s also an opportunity to embrace life with a renewed appreciation even in the face of adversity. It’s a journey that teaches us the value of every precious moment and the strength that resides within us. As Mikey wrote, “It is important to live life to its fullest to enjoy each moment as it passes. It is also important to fulfill obligations to yourself and society through work, as you work towards a better future. And between these two lies middle-groundism. None of these ideologies are necessarily better than any other. For some, one is best, for others another. For me, I hope that in the twilight of the storm I’ve settled into ground, that I’ve dug in and accepted where I am.”