{"id":25865,"date":"2025-10-14T17:22:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-14T21:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?p=25865"},"modified":"2025-10-27T13:40:44","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T17:40:44","slug":"how-to-deal-with-scanxiety-mesothelioma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/how-to-deal-with-scanxiety-mesothelioma\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Deal With Scanxiety: Mesothelioma Patients Share Their Top Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/\">Mesothelioma<\/a> is a rare and aggressive cancer that requires frequent imaging scans to monitor how it\u2019s progressing. Although these scans are an important part of managing the disease, they can come with unintended emotional side effects.<\/p>\n<p>In a recent study on mesothelioma and mental health, patients reported that scanxiety was one of the most stressful aspects of living with this cancer.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><strong class=\"callout-shortcode-heading\">What Is Scanxiety?<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p>Scanxiety is the worry or fear that builds while <\/span><b>waiting for the results of <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/imaging-scans\/\"><b>imaging scans<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> whether for diagnosis, staging, or follow-ups to check if treatments are working.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p>For patients who suffer from scanxiety, cancer can feel incredibly stressful. While scanxiety may be unavoidable, there are ways to better manage these emotions and maintain peace of mind.<\/p>\n<p>Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong> for essential resources to help you manage your diagnosis so you can focus on what truly matters: your health and well-being.<\/p>\n<div data-vqueid=\"1361\" class=\"widget widget_oscar-vque default image-right has-img\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"default\">.widget_oscar-vque.default{margin:60px auto;max-width:315px}.widget_oscar-vque.default:first-child{margin-top:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{background:#2F293D;display:block;padding:20px;border-radius:10px;color:#fff;text-decoration:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{margin:0 auto 20px;max-width:150px;width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default .vque-content{font-size:16px;text-align:center}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{display:block;line-height:1;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:5px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:20px;display:block;margin:0 0 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{font-size:16px;text-align:left;list-style:none;max-width:265px;line-height:1.4;margin:15px auto 25px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li{padding-left:28px;margin-bottom:10px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul li:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" !important;font-display:swap;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;content:\"\\e904\";border:none;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:20px;line-height:20px;text-align:center;font-size:12px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:100%}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.widget_oscar-vque.default{max-width:620px}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a{padding:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div{display:block;display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-direction:row-reverse}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a>div>div{padding:0 25px 0 0;width:41%}.widget_oscar-vque.default>a .vque-content{width:59%;padding:30px;text-align:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default img{max-width:90%;margin-bottom:0}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.subheading{font-size:16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.heading{font-size:24px;margin:0 0 16px}.widget_oscar-vque.default ul{max-width:none}.widget_oscar-vque.default strong.button.arrow{width:auto}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div{display:block;position:relative;overflow:hidden}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div img{max-width:100%}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div{float:left}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div:first-child{width:27%;padding:30px}.widget_oscar-vque.default.image-left>a>div>div.vque-content{width:73%;padding-left:0}}<\/style><a href=\"\/mesothelioma-guide\/\" title=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide Ad\" data-desktop-image=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\"><div><div><div class=\"image-fade\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"296\" height=\"290\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png\" class=\"attachment-Medium size-Medium wp-post-image\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Guide Images\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical.png 296w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-55x55.png 55w, https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/guide-image-vertical-102x100.png 102w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 296px) 100vw, 296px\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"vque-content\"><strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free 2026 Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong><ul>\n<li>Symptoms &amp; staging<\/li>\n<li>Average prognosis<\/li>\n<li>Life-extending treatments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Your Free Guide\">Get Your Free Guide<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>7 Tips to Manage Scanxiety With Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Recent studies show that emotional support, self-distraction, humor, social connections, physical activity, and other strategies help cancer patients manage their mental health and well-being.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Julie-img.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;There is always fear surrounding scans and follow-ups. I try not to let it make me bitter. I think that&#8217;s all you can do.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Julie Gundlach, 19+ year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Here are 7 tips for coping with mesothelioma scanxiety, based on the latest research and what has worked for many patients and caregivers.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Stop Googling It<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s natural to want to learn more about your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/\">mesothelioma diagnosis<\/a>, but excessive research can sometimes do more harm than good.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy heart sank. As soon as you Google it, the thing that comes up is \u2018incurable, incurable,\u2019\u201d said Crystal, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/resources\/caregivers\/\">mesothelioma caregiver<\/a> who was interviewed for a mental health study.<\/p>\n<p>If researching treatments and survival rates is increasing your anxiety, consider turning off the screen and stepping away. Try not to picture what your results could be until you know for sure what you\u2019re dealing with.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/raja-flores-profile.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cSo many people go on Dr. Google, and there&#8217;s a lot of misinformation and information that doesn&#8217;t apply to that particular individual. <strong>This is not a guaranteed death sentence<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. Raja Flores, mesothelioma specialist at Mount Sinai Hospital<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h3>2. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To<\/h3>\n<p>Waiting for scan results can feel endless. One powerful way to reduce anxiety is to plan something meaningful to look forward to. It doesn\u2019t need to be expensive or elaborate. Even small activities can help shift your focus from worry to hope.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen one goes through a year of painful treatments and not knowing whether you\u2019re going to get out of bed the next morning, <strong>one needs a goal,<\/strong>\u201d said <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/dr-bonnie-snyder-pleural-mesothelioma-survivor-story\/\">Dr. Bonnie Snyder<\/a>, a pleural mesothelioma survivor from New Mexico.<\/p>\n<p>After her diagnosis in September 2022, Bonnie focused on staying active and finding purpose. Once she recovered from chest surgery, she started walking again and set a goal to finish a marathon.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Get our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/survivors-guide\/\">Free Survivors Guide<\/a> for more tips and inspiration on living well after a mesothelioma diagnosis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h3>3. Relax &amp; Find Time to Laugh<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s often said that laughter is the best medicine \u2014 and when it comes to scanxiety, this rings true. Research has shown that maintaining a positive attitude and sense of humor can improve morale and well-being in cancer patients\u00a0.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think John&#8217;s positive attitude has kept him going. I can&#8217;t think of a day that John has been, \u2018Oh, feel sorry for me,\u2019&#8221; said Dee, wife of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/blog\/mesothelioma-survivor-builds-a-future\/\">John Stahl<\/a>, a stage 4 pleural mesothelioma survivor. \u201c<strong>He&#8217;s just positive, and I think that\u2019s helped his health.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Though it may be hard to do, try to take a step back and see the humor in whatever\u2019s going on around you. Taking time to laugh with your friends and family may help lift your spirits.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/survivor-image-arthur.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cStay positive and keep a positive attitude. You&#8217;ll enjoy your life more if you stay positive about it. <strong>You can&#8217;t change it, so make the best of it.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Art Putt, 7+ year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h3>4. Find a Mesothelioma Support Group or Mentor<\/h3>\n<p>Mesothelioma support groups have shown various benefits for patients and their caregivers. Talking to people who\u2019ve been in your shoes can make a world of difference. While friends and family can offer support, only another mesothelioma patient truly understands what you&#8217;re going through.<\/p>\n<p>You can also be paired with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/survivors\/\">mesothelioma survivor<\/a> who can mentor you throughout your journey, offering encouragement and hope.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Mary-Jane-Williams.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;My mentor is still here today, and <strong>that\u2019s what keeps me going<\/strong>. I want to help people go through this and remain positive. \u201cYou can do it. It\u2019s not the end of the world.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Mary Jane Williams, 15-year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h3>5. Get Active<\/h3>\n<p>Many cancer patients experience the benefits of nature-based activities like walking or cycling, also known as ecotherapy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ecotherapy can provide both physical and mental health benefits, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Social connection<\/li>\n<li>Exercise<\/li>\n<li>Distraction<\/li>\n<li>A sense of control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Research shows that ecotherapy can reduce anxiety, depression, fatigue, and pain. Nature is often reported as one of the most healing elements.<\/p>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dr-james-pingpank.png\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>\u201cFor imaging, there&#8217;s going to be that anxiety. It&#8217;s a nervous experience. That&#8217;s why <strong>we stress being active<\/strong> and doing all those things to maintain your health.\u201d<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Dr. James Pingpank, mesothelioma specialist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<h3>6. Stay Busy in the Moment<\/h3>\n<p>When your mind starts racing, one of the best ways to ground yourself is by staying busy. Keeping active can significantly benefit your mental health, helping you live in the moment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMy biggest coping strategy is staying busy and not giving myself time to think,\u201d said Freya, a mesothelioma patient interviewed for a June 2024 mental health study.<\/p>\n<p>By focusing on hobbies and activities you enjoy, you leave less room for worry. Even small activities like listening to music, drawing, or watching TV can help.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201c<strong>You live through it, you survive it, and you push it back. <\/strong>I keep all the positive things that I live for up front. You have other things to think about: your children, your grandchildren, talking to friends.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 Brenda, 6-year mesothelioma survivor<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>7. Practice Mindfulness<\/h3>\n<p>When anxiety strikes, it\u2019s essential to break the cycle of negative thoughts.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Take a moment to breathe deeply:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Inhale for as long as possible.<\/li>\n<li>Count the seconds as you exhale.<\/li>\n<li>Repeat this several times.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also refocus your mind with positive mantras: <em>I\u2019m doing everything I can<\/em>.<em> I am safe in this moment<\/em>. <em>I\u2019ve got this<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Finding peace and enjoyment is key to coping with mesothelioma scanxiety. Get our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Guide <\/strong>to help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Personalized Support for Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope\u2019s team of Patient Advocates understands that cancer affects every part of your life. Wherever you are on your mesothelioma journey, we\u2019re here to help with personalized support and guidance at every step.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our team can:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Help you get a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/mesothelioma\/diagnosis\/second-opinion\/\">second opinion<\/a> to confirm your diagnosis<\/li>\n<li>Recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma specialists<\/a> in your area<\/li>\n<li>Connect you with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/resources\/emotional-support\/\">emotional support resources<\/a><\/li>\n<li>See if you qualify for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/legal\/compensation\/\">financial compensation<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"blockquote-w-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Julie-img.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><blockquote><p>&#8220;What I would share with anyone with a serious chronic disease \u2014 <strong>never give up hope<\/strong> and remember that your life is yours, not the disease&#8217;s.&#8221;<\/p>\n<footer>&ndash;<cite> Julie Gundlach, 19+ year mesothelioma survivor<\/cite><\/footer><\/blockquote><style type=\"text\/css\">.blockquote-w-image{position:relative;margin:40px auto}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{background:none;border-left:none;padding:25px;margin-top:0;padding-bottom:0;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote p{margin-bottom:0}.blockquote-w-image img{width:100px;border:none;border-radius:100%;box-shadow:none;position:relative;margin:0 auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative{margin:60px auto}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding:25px 25px 25px 80px;padding-bottom:25px;background-color:#E4F4F6}.blockquote-w-image.alternative img{position:absolute;left:20px;top:25px;z-index:1;width:50px;border:1px solid #fff;box-shadow:0 0 10px rgba(34,34,34,0.2);border-radius:100%}.blockquote-w-image.with-border{background:none;border-left:4px solid #0FAEBF}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote{background:none;border-radius:0;padding:10px 25px}.blockquote-w-image.with-border blockquote footer cite{font-size:inherit}.blockquote-w-image blockquote:before{display:none}@media screen and (min-width: 769px){.blockquote-w-image img{position:absolute;left:0;top:0}.blockquote-w-image blockquote{padding:0 25px 0 125px;min-height:90px}}@media screen and (min-width: 1024px){.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote{padding-left:105px}.blockquote-w-image.alternative blockquote footer cite{font-size:16px}.entry-content .blockquote-w-image.alternative img{width:60px;left:25px}}<\/style><\/div>\n<p>Call us at<strong> <a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> or fill out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/about\/contact\/\">contact form<\/a> to get in touch. You don\u2019t have to face scanxiety \u2014 or mesothelioma \u2014 alone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that requires frequent imaging scans to monitor how it\u2019s progressing. Although these scans are an important part of managing the disease, they can come with unintended emotional side effects. In a recent study on mesothelioma and mental health, patients reported that scanxiety was one of the most stressful&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":25836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[271],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-wellness"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25865"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25865\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}