Melanin & Pink Ribbons

What is Scanxiety? Cancercenter.com defines it as an increased level of anxiousness before, during, and after a scan to diagnose cancer, monitor the progress of treatment, or determine whether cancer has reoccurred. As a 7-year Survivor, I had my annual mammogram and breast sonogram and I myself experienced a level of Scanxiety. I was a bit anxious a day or two before the exam. During the exam I am fine. I felt no anxiety but a sense of release that the tests were underway and soon to be over. My experience is normal but because each journey is induvial as each patient is, your normal may look different and that is ok.

The symptoms of scanxiety can include:

• Uneasiness
• Shortness of breath
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Faint or dizziness
• Nausea

There are techniques to help with the symptoms of scanxiety. Try:

• Inform your medical personnel, they are trained to help you
• Deep breathing
• Meditation
• Diverting your attention to another topic

I hope this gives you the situation but more importantly, some coping strategies to not only maintain but power through and over anything breast cancer throws at you! Remember early detection is the best tool to survive breast cancer!