Master Patience: Tips for Test Result Waiting

Jancee Dunn is off this week, so I’m stepping in. I’m Maxwell Strachan, an editor on the Well desk.

Some months back, my wife and I sought a fertility doctor’s assistance to start a family. During an ultrasound, the doctor noticed something unusual and inquired if my wife had undergone such a scan before. This led to the discovery of a large, unidentified mass in her lower abdomen, particularly near an ovary.

The doctor recommended scheduling an MRI, advising us to remain calm. Despite his suggestion, I succumbed to anxiety. The mass could have been a fibroid or, less likely, a cyst, but I couldn’t help imagining more dire possibilities. It was two agonizing weeks before we learned the conclusion: my wife had fibroids, one the size of a grapefruit—certainly daunting but treatable. With cancer ruled out, I contemplated on how intensely anxious I’d felt and how I’ve been in similar situations awaiting medical test results for myself. I wished I had been better prepared to cope with those distressing weeks.

Waiting for test outcomes is an unpleasant aspect of life, as research has shown it can be as difficult—or even more so—than receiving bad news. This anxiety is so prevalent, it’s called “scanxiety” in the context of cancer.

Inevitably, we all face waiting for medical results again. To handle it better next time, I consulted with therapists and doctors for advice. Their insights could help anyone navigate these challenging periods with more resilience and less stress. Whether it’s breathing exercises, maintaining a routine, or seeking support, there are strategies to counter the toll scanxiety can take on our mental well-being.