How to wait ?

[cromseye]

Hi , I hope all will get better for us soon . A few weeks ago I learned that I have 15 mm AN in right side. After doctor visit, he decided to wait 6 months . I guess waiting is one hard way to stand :waiting MRI, waiting results , waiting doctor, waiting decisions . As I am not a person who can share feelings , it was creating more stress on me . I was checking on internet about solution and I found followings : ( I didnt try them but I guess it will help us)

- mindfulness meditation ,

- to focus about other activities (like work , hobbies)

- to create a stress free bubble environment if it is possible ,...

Please feel free to add your opinion .

Also , I didnt share it with my family and my friends yet - because currently there is nothing to do except waiting . also when I talk about this , I felt that I am getting emotional . I dont know not to share is a good idea or not but I preferred like that.

[Bad1]

Hi, For me, receiving my diagnosis and trying to process the information was the most stressful time and it’s understandable that you have’t shared this yet with family if you have not got your head around the implications yourself. I did my own research and am now very confident at explaining to anyone interested that I have a benign condition that is usually slow growing and requires no adjustments to my life style. Since diagnosis I have been on several long haul flights and got a new job. I can honestly say it’s been a minor inconvenience , that 18 months after diagnosis, I rarely think about.Talking is always good and will certainly help with ‘watch and wait’ on NHS time, which is what many of us are confined to do.

[cromseye in reply to Bad1]

Thanks so much for replying! It’s a bit hard and we are all passing these waiting stages . I guess your reply will give more positive energy to others . I hope all will be well soon .

[flappers]

Hi. It is hard not to have a plan of treatment other than watch and wait but having looked into it, I now feel happier with the do nothing plan. I too have a 15mm and will be rescanned in February or March. I think finding someone to talk to would be a good idea, although using this forum is helpful too. Focusing on what we can do in the here and now helps me. Check in with us at any time you're having worries and I'm sure you'll find reassurance. We can learn to manage symptoms and the feeling around it all and may well be lucky enough to have an AN that grows very very slowly or not much more. You're not alone.

[cromseye in reply to flappers]

Thank you for your kind reply. I agree with you about using forums : this one and BANA. I wrote this topic so it will be also useful for new comers and they will feel less stressed. I hope all will be well soon - to get free from AN and Covid .

[flappers in reply to cromseye]

You sound like someone who thinks of others before yourself and that's lovely, but it's okay to have the support and help for yourself too!