Coping with Fear of Recurrence or Progression

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

A Very Normal Fear…

Mesothelioma sufferers commonly have periods of time in their treatment where they stop therapy because their disease is stable or physicians are unable to find evidence of their cancer.

While being grateful for the break from treatment, it is normal to have some anxiety about the cancer rearing its ugly head again.

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Fear of Recurrence or Progression

It’s a normal and understandable feeling given that mesothelioma is incurable.

Anxiety increases or is triggered when: You are at high risk of recurrence It’s time for a checkup or scan Marking anniversary of diagnosis News covers mesothelioma topics A new ache, pain, lump or bump appears

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Symptoms

Excessive worry about cancer returning

Mistrust of your body Uncertainty of future and

reluctance to plan ahead Generalized anxiety, fear, poor

sleep, muscle tension and poor concentration

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Managing Fear of Recurrence or Progression

Most mesothelioma sufferers do not want to spend the rest of their lives feeling overwhelmed with the fear

their cancer will progress or return.

It is common to develop some strategies to lessen their fear to improve quality of life.

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SOURCE: Cancer.org. (2013, June 19). Living with Uncertainty. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/understandingrecurrence/livin

gwithuncertainty/fear-of-cancer-recurrence-add-res

Normalize

Accepting that fear of recurrence or progression is normal can take the pressure off mesothelioma patients to feel strong and positive.

Oncologists want their patients to worry

enough so they follow their treatment plan, make healthy lifestyle changes (like eating healthy or quitting smoking) and monitor their symptoms closely.

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Know Your Treatment and Follow-up

Understanding the goals of your treatment plan and expected effects can reduce anxiety.

Once you stop treatment, ask your oncologist how your disease will be monitored (blood tests, scans, clinical

exams, etc.) and frequency of follow-up visits.

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Distractions

Waiting for test results or a doctor appointment can be nerve-wracking.

Distracting yourself with pleasant or humorous activities can make time pass more quickly. Watch funny movies or TV shows Work on hobbies Keep your hands busy Visit friends

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Compartmentalize

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Many mesothelioma patients keep a binder or folder of their test results, scans and medications.

When you open that folder, you are “taking care of your cancer.” When you close it, you are leaving your anxiety in that folder.

When you leave your treatment center or doctor appointment, imagine you are leaving your worry about mesothelioma with the doctor.

Relaxation

Setting aside time to practice some relaxation is very helpful at reducing the symptoms of anxiety such as high blood pressure, poor sleep, shortness of breath, etc.

Investigate some relaxation techniques like guided imagery or muscle relaxation to find some that work for you.

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Counseling and Medication

When these coping strategies are not enough to manage this fear of recurrence or progression, then it is time to speak to a counselor, your oncologist or both.

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Medication and counseling are proven to reduce anxiety and improve

quality of life.

Many cancer treatment centers offer their patients and caregivers free counseling. Ask if they offer those services.

Counseling and Medication (cont.)

If your cancer center does not offer counseling, ask for a referral to a counselor with expertise in cancer.

Patients often are prescribed anxiety medication to reduce stress and fear related to mesothelioma, but first you have to let your health care team know you are struggling with anxiety and explain how it is affecting your quality of life.

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Conclusions

It is difficult to enjoy a break from treatment and side effects when you are overwhelmed with fear of recurrence.

Even though anxiety is normal, it doesn’t mean those with mesothelioma should suffer fear.

There are many proven coping strategies mesothelioma patients can try to reduce their anxiety.

Counseling and medication also has shown to be helpful.

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270