What do you recommend to handle the stress and uncertainty metastatic patients face, especially during scan time?

Diseases:  
Diseases:  
Done
Emailz
1
Expert Answers

SherryPagotoPhD (Psychologist (Verified) ) - 03 / 24 / 2012

Uncertainty, especially under the circumstances of a cancer diagnosis, is one of most stressful experiences. I recommend exercise, meditation, and relaxation exercises as ways to cope with stress during this time. Check out this book by Dr. Michael Antoni, one of the leading researchers in this area: http://www.amazon.com/Stress-Management-Intervention-Breast-Cancer/dp/1557989419/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332591278&sr=1-2 I also highly recommend finding online social networks, like onhttp://www.PatientsLikeMe.com to find and connect with others going through what you are going through. Even though family and friends may be supportive, it can be so helpful to talk to people who have been through or are going through what you are going through. Only they can truly understand your fears and concerns. And, because the people you meet in online social networks are not close family and friends, you may actually be able to speak more freely about your thoughts, feelings and challenges, especially to the extent that some of the challenges involve family and friends reactions to your cancer.
Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.
Similar Questions
For metastatic breast cancer patients, what process do you follow to develop a treatment plan?
What anxiety and stress relief techniques have you found to be most effective for patients?
Do you see many long-term breast cancer survivors with condochondritis? What do you recommend for patients who have it?
How did you handle telling your employer about your cancer? Were they understanding if you needed time off?
Its very difficult for us, as patients, to know whether or not a surgeon is "good." What do you recommend we ask and do to make the best possible choice?
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Flag Content
Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.
Cancel
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Ok
Give a 'Thank you' to
Cancel
Close
Talk About Health
Add Answer

Close
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Close
Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!
Your Email:
Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)
Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)
Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)
TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

Partners become a partner

© Copyright 2013 - Talk About Health - Privacy Policy | Terms of Service