Easing Stress While Waiting for Test Results

Whether you’re living with cancer or looking at a possible diagnosis (for yourself or someone you love), standing by for test results can be overwhelming and stressful. My own two-time breast cancer experience has helped me understand, there are ways to cope.

I often find that, waiting is not the problem, worry is. Worry is trying to predict a future that no one knows. Because of my faith, I found it necessary to develop my own spiritual care plan – one that would allow me to feed my spirit, not my fear. For me, that included: praying, journaling, practicing daily devotions, meditating (quieting my spirit to hear God), reading the bible, and connecting with activities that lifted my spirit; art & music therapy, walks, laughter, naps).

Although it is sometimes easier said than done - The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a Spirit of fear but of power, of love, and of a sound mind.” You can't have faith and live in fear!

Preparing for tests—and anxiety

When you’re getting ready for a test, have a frank conversation with your care team. Discuss the expected timeline for results and how you’d like to receive information.

Let your care team know what works best for you. It’s a small bit of control that can help take the edge off a stressful situation.

Why results can take a while

A team of experts prepares and interprets pathology tests. Pathologists and lab techs all work together to provide accurate, thorough results.

However, some results can take longer than others. Certain tissues take longer to process, special stains or other tests might be needed, and sometimes, the team needs a larger sample. None of these processing delays necessarily mean bad news, no matter what your imagination might say.

Effective coping mechanisms

All the worry in the world isn’t going to change test results, and it doesn’t make anyone feel good, so focus on the things that do make you feel good. This can be easier said than done. But here are some tips for making the best of your wait:

Control your thoughts

There is a technique called “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” that involves letting anxious thoughts float by like leaves on a stream. You acknowledge what’s making you anxious, then let it go by and shift your attention to something that’s enjoyable. This is definitely worth a deeper dive if you need help controlling your thoughts, trust me.

Reach out

You don’t have to wait alone. Pull in the support of people around you, like family and friends. Say, ‘I’m waiting on test results, it’s kind of preoccupying—can you help me?’ That might be a friend taking you to the movies and providing a positive distraction.

Break up the time into blocks

Break your wait into manageable chunks.

Another technique you can use is mindfulness. It’s about focusing on one day at a time or, if you’re particularly stressed, an hour at a time or a minute at a time. You might tell yourself ‘I need to get through the next 10 minutes’ and when those 10 minutes are over you focus on the next 10 minutes. Then the wait doesn’t feel so overwhelming.

If you need multiple tests over a longer period of time, try checking your weekly appointment schedule every Monday morning in order to focus only on what’s happening in that week. I feel this helps contain worry because you’re not thinking about tests that are coming up in the future.

Make good use of your nervous energy

Direct that energy toward something productive. Meal prep, clean out a closet or walk the dog. I found starting my Christmas baking and freezing them for the holidays incredibly helpful.

Hang out with kids or pets

Being in the moment can help you take your mind off the unknown. The best guides for being in the moment are little children & pets. Whenever people have one or the other in their lives, I say gravitate towards them.

There is no doubt that waiting is difficult. But focus on the idea that worrying will not change your test results. And a life filled with less worry is not only healthier, but also more enjoyable.