Scan anxiety, aka ‘Scanxiety’, describes our state of mind for many late-stage colon cancer patients, leading up to scans and extending through the time patients review results with our oncologist. ‘Scanxiety’ is real and can manifest into symptoms beyond mere apprehension. Whether we are using scans to track progress between treatments, or months into remission, scans play an integral role with managing late-stage colon cancer. My personal view regarding scans has evolved over time. For me, early scan anxiety moved to a genuine desire to assess scan results, offering the opportunity to discuss strategy and tactics to manage my Stage IV colon cancer as a chronic disease. Whether embracing scans promoted a humble, self-confidence, or my positive attitude and self-confidence in managing my cancer as a chronic disease, allowed me to embrace scans, the result … a comfort level with scans being an integral tool with managing late-stage colon cancer. ‘Scanxiety’ … embracing scans makes a difference!
As always, my posts serve as a catalyst for further discussion. For additional information regarding ‘Scanxiety.’
Fellow late-stage colon cancer survivors and families, I wish you well,
Greg Metry
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