Yes, this happened to me a couple months ago.  I went in for a routine colonoscopy and the doctor was quite concerned when I woke up from the anesthesia.  He said he saw something big in my colon that he removed.  According to his experience (over 25 years), it looked like cancer.  Remember, I’m just waking up from anesthesia, so I’m kinda’ out of it.  This isn’t the kind of thing you want to hear when you’re fully awake, or half asleep.  The doctor explained he would know for sure after the test results were received back by Tuesday.

I completely chose how to handle receiving the news that I may have cancer.  I could’ve begun to feel sick in my body and spent the weekend in bed.  I could’ve told all my friends and family I may have cancer in order to receive sympathy.  I could’ve lived life like I was going to die at any moment.  Hmmmmmmmmmm . . . .  I did none of that.

I had never heard anything like this before.  I’ve been through my own medical issues throughout the years, but nothing ever like this.  This is how I handled the situation:

  • I was surprised, disappointed, and concerned.
  • I knew I wasn’t going to let this doctor’s best guess ruin my day
  • I expressed gratitude for having the colonoscopy
  • I expressed gratitude for making positive changes to the way I eat over the past few years.
  • My thoughts were consumed with, ‘my body is healthy’, ‘I am healthy’, ‘I thrive on eating healthy foods’.
  • I enjoyed an ordinary weekend with my family.
  • I was eager to get the test results, and didn’t get them until Thursday.
  • I am not a worrier, so I didn’t worry.
  • The news was great.  NO cancer.

Are you a worrier?  If so, how does worrying serve you?  Really, how would you have felt if you were wrapped in worry with such news?
If you ever receive bad news, this is how best to handle:

  1. Know the difference between the facts and your assumptions.
  2. Be aware of your thoughts and how they create your experience.
  3. Replace your negative, non-serving thoughts with positive, loving thoughts.
  4. Be in the present moment.

Worry doesn’t help.  In fact, if you create a bunch of catastrophic possibilities, it’s more likely they’ll come true than if you just remain present in the moment, and wait for the actual results.

I realize this is completely a different experience if you’ve been told you have a cancer.  I applaud every survivor / thriver out there.

PLAY TIME:

Think about this:  How would you handle uncertain bad medical news?  Why?  Does your reaction love and comfort you?  If not, why not?