The night before my recent first in-person follow-up visit with the hereditary cancer clinic, my thoughts raced like a hamster on a wheel. Work deadlines, family commitments, and everyday stresses amplified the familiar pre-appointment jitters. I tossed and turned, knowing intellectually that this was just routine but emotionally caught in that space between vigilance and anxiety.
An episode of Virgin River (Netflix, Season 6, Episode 5) recently captured these feelings well. The show portrayed a character awaiting biopsy results, wrestling with whether to share her fears with her partner or shoulder the burden alone. It highlighted something we don't talk about enough - how fear can isolate us and how sharing our worries can be an act of strength, not weakness.
After forty years of watching breast cancer weave through my family's story, I prefer to try to transform these anxious moments into something better through a mindset shift. When my mother faced her first diagnosis while I was just thirteen, she taught me - though I didn't fully grasp it then - that early detection was her shield. Now, at seventy-seven, she's a vibrant testament to the power of proactive screening.
Let me share something I've learned: those butterflies in your stomach? The racing thoughts the night before? They're all normal. But here's what I want you to know—these appointments can become your "I don't have cancer today" celebrations.
Think about it. Each screening is a chance to take control and be proactive about your health. When I walk into the cancer center, I don't see a place of anxiety—I know it’s a place where I confirm my health status. These are my victory laps.
Sure, sometimes they find something that needs a closer look. I've been there—multiple times. But even then, knowledge is power. Early detection doesn't just save lives; it transforms the entire cancer narrative. With a 99% five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer, early detection turns what could be a tragedy into a challenge you can overcome.
I've learned to make these days special. I may treat myself to lunch afterward. I could schedule a walk with a friend. Happiness tripwires are found throughout the day. The point is to reframe these appointments from something we dread into something we embrace—because they're gifts we give ourselves.
Remember, you're not just showing up for a medical appointment. You're showing up for yourself, your future, and all the coming moments. That's worth celebrating.
So, the next time you're headed to a screening, follow-up, or scan, try shifting your perspective. Instead of counting down with dread, count up with gratitude. You're not just getting a test—you're taking charge of your story. And that's something to celebrate.
Let's change the narrative together. These aren't just screening days—they're victory days. And you deserve to celebrate each one.
I'd love to hear how you handle follow-ups. Do you have any special rituals or ways to make them more positive? Share your story.