You may have trouble sleeping at night, find yourself being nervous, or be preoccupied with thinking about the diagnosis. S | Sending you lots of feel-better hugs. It is early days still and I presume that you have not had any results from your MRI, Ultrasound and biopsies yet. D | Our Father in Heaven, thank you because you have blessed the health sector with incredible technology. "The doctor may be waiting for test results before being able to treat you." "We need to see people with life-threatening problems before those who do not appear to have such serious problems." "Because this is a teaching hospital, we have our physicians and residents talk with you and examine you which also takes time." Most Gracious God, thank you for your mercy which endures forever. What do you say to someone expecting results? So, what do you say to someone awaiting medical test results? Grief, terror, anger, depression and other overwhelming emotions can all affect cancer patients. Double-check that the imaging center or lab has your providers correct information on file. Or you may be tested during or after your appointment and get the results later. Take yourself out of the equation, and offer the other person the opportunity to explain how they feel without being imposing. Ideally this person is someone who can also remind you of God's love and continuous care. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2012-2023 On Secret Hunt - All Rights Reserved Sympathy is a turn off for me; I'm not dead, just scared! A | Holiday or anytime gift ideas for a cancer patient. Whatever youre feeling is okay. Telehealth appointments may be a good compromise between delivering results in person versus a phone call, letter, or secure message. So your main task during this waiting period is to manage your anxiety. Its okay if youre not sure what to say, but do acknowledge the situation. Say something like: Its hard for me to even imagine how youre feeling. That's because your health is at risk in some way. We have found when we call patients about lab results, they give us better patient satisfaction scores. If follow-up appointments are expected, check with your health insurance to make sure they're covered. Plus, if a disease is contagious, your provider will want to talk in person about how to help you avoid future risk and protect other people. It appears you entered an invalid email. When the test results finally emerge, may they calm my nerves with overwhelming good news. 2023 MJH Life Sciences and CURE - Oncology & Cancer News for Patients & Caregivers. The anxiety of not knowing can be all-consuming. In addition, may my blood count come out normal or be in a range with a straightforward course of action. Australia 1590, 0-9 | You may even become impatient with yourself, wondering why it takes so long to do some of the activities you have always done. Q | If a bill is higher than expected, confirm your insurer has been billed correctly. Have you ever had a chance encounter with a stranger who showed you some unexpected kindness or help at a moment when you really needed it? Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. E | During that . Because I have a life to live, and I need to live it in the best way possible. Loving Father, thank you because I am healthy, wealthy, and blessed. Next focus on the positives in your life and enlarge that image to make it the biggest in your mind, until its all you see. Another tip is to allow for a daily 10-minute worry window, when you let your mind wallow. 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Father I thank you for your mercy and your grace upon my life and my family, be thou magnified, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Its either because of their insecure nature or their fear of rejection. Do try to distract yourself Anxiety is a perfectly natural and valid response in this situation. 1. - Jayden Hayes. Often, routine blood or imaging tests are part of preventive care. We have collected a lot of medical information. When you follow your own agenda doing the things that are most important to you personally and professionally thats when you feel on top of things, energised and can be more present in the moment., To receive life-changing news is similar to grief, psychologist Julie Scheiner says. First, you have the right to see the results of every test you undergo. 2014;31(5):592-597. doi:10.1093%2Ffampra%2Fcmu041. 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. Please show the doctors what they need to see and give them the ability to fix my bones in the proper position so that I will be relieved of this pain. Please give me positive ultrasound test results. Loving God, thank you for helping me undergo the challenging procedure. Worrying is part of our survival mechanism, clinical hypnotherapist Dr Tracie OKeefe says. What did they see? Breast cancer survivor Elissa Ashwood coped with her diagnosis by breaking it down into chapters. In Jesus name, I reject every evil manipulation regarding my health. Healthcare providers order lab tests for four main reasons: The test results may be simple and straightforwardsay, positive or negative. This article describes the common emotions you might face when waiting for a diagnosis and provides some suggestions for coping with these feelings. 1. For diseases that can relapse, such as cancer and some autoimmune diseases, regular visits may help identify and treat a relapse early. If you're tested during or after your appointment, ask: You can then contact your insurance provider to get a clearer understanding of their policies. Some people cope by educating themselves and trying to map out their possible options; others reduce stress by distracting themselves with whatever feels fun; still others find the waiting time provides the opportunity to assess . In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen. If this is something you or a loved one is experiencing, consider . Congratulate yourself for waiting a day, two days, or longer. U | Think the negative thoughts. Any sort of health crisis signals a huge change in your life, and its frightening, said Melodie Winawer, a neurologist and neuroscientist at Columbia University. ~ Isaiah 26:3. This article will look at when it's needed, when it's not, and how to set expectations with your healthcare provider. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. During these frozen moments in time, its hard to think about plans for a future that may not be. They can do so as long they verify it's you. But many people begin to check out after the first couple of days or weeks, despite the fact that the person continues to deal with their disease or diagnosis. I wish I knew exactly what to say, but I dont. May the images that will be revealed provide the doctors the insight they need to treat me effectively to bring about my bodys recovery. . If any foreign material is discovered in the test results, remove them with your miraculous hands. When we're more aware of what's going on around us and inside us, it also helps us notice signs of stress and anxiety and helps us deal with them better. Settling back into what is now my new normal, I decided I would create a Do and Dont list for the next time Im faced with the deafening silence of waiting on test results: Dont Sit still. What do you say when someone is ill? People say, Suck it up . Psalm 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. nag your doctor, Test result communication in primary care: clinical and office staff perspectives, To track the progression of a chronic illness, To check for a recurrence of a treated condition. Getting a diagnosis can involve waiting to see a specialist, waiting for a test to be scheduled, or waiting for lab results to come back. If a healthcare provider asks you to schedule an appointment to go over test results and it doesn't seem necessary, ask why. When a friend or loved one is facing a serious health scare, one of the best ways to be truly supportive is to eliminate the burden of making the ask, he said. I can hear it has been really hard for you to share, thank you for sharing. Getting a diagnosis can involve waiting to see a specialist, waiting for a test to be scheduled, or waiting for lab results to come back. 5. 1) "The best way to get through that agony is to focus on others," Irwin said. Were looking to feature moments in which someone interrupted their busy life to lend a hand to someone they didnt know. I have provided some for you. Sitting in silence may just be what the other person needs. Please heal my bones where I need healing, so I can ease moving henceforth. 2) Schedule Worry Time. But there are ways to cope. American Psychological Association. , Ask permission. Remember when you went in for a biopsy, CT scan or blood work a few days ago, and your doctor said shed call back with the test results, but she didnt? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. review your medical insurance and other financial resources. "Worry is trying to predict a future that no one knows. How Do You Get Rid Of Hiccups In 5 Seconds? what to say to someone waiting for medical results . "It is the opposite of fixating on yourself, for you have done everything you can and now it is time to release. If this is something you or a loved one is experiencing, consider praying this short prayer adapted from Our Catholic Prayers, for the grace to trust God no matter the outcome: Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. We asked the CaringBridge community, many of whom have experienced this exact situation, their thoughts on what to say during these hard times. Youve waited long enough, and today is finally the day you get your results. You held me close throughout the period of waiting for my test results. Anxiety, as with these other emotions, can carry over into other areas of your life. Impatience can workits way beyond your diagnosis and enter other parts of your life as well. what to say to someone waiting for medical results. In such cases, the medical professional has no right to withhold them from you or require you to pay for a visit in order to get them. Trish is the Cancer Editor at The Mighty. H | Say Get Well in a way that's personal and sincere. Lastly, I decree by faith that the enemys will shall never prevail over my life and health but the will of God. Want to see fewer ads on Aleteia? Instead, you filled my heart with joy over the good doctors report I got after my diagnosis. Above all, please guide my doctors while they look over my test results and give them the insight they need to interpret them correctly. Sending you lots of feel-better hugs. Time is not a thing that passes it's a sea on which you float.. So, I pray you give my doctor a clear mind as he reviews my test results. That includes things like cholesterol tests, mammograms, or Pap smears. Try viewing your time waiting for results as an exercise to practice being patient. Sometimes this frustration can erupt. How do you help a cancer patient emotionally? I bind every spirit of error in any stage of the procedure. They have a tough job. "So when they get the results they can say, 'I knew that.' Or they feel extremely relieved." The four-alarm worriers may also hold tight to magical thinking: If they can stare, unblinking, into. Non-Profit Company, PO Box 235 Mental health support can be a crucial pillar of cancer treatment to improve quality of life and even physical treatment outcomes. Can stress affect your blood test results? You may not need an appointment for routine labs or images that are part of preventive care. Lord, I ask for your guidance as I receive my MRI results today. P | You or your loved ones might fear burdening each other and may not always feel comfortable expressing frustration, impatience, or anxiety. Amen! Remember, it's harder for bad news to hit a moving target. Everlasting God, I surrender my anxiety to you and ask that you overwhelm me with your love. I know there are so many people who need their attention. American Associated of Retired Persons: AARP. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. Depending on the type of test, it could be a few hours to a few weeks before the results are ready. And ask for a copy to keep in your files. The anxiety of not knowing can be all-consuming. Then I will either wait for him or forget him." Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept And you might have to deal with symptomssuch as dizziness, nausea, or painwhile you're waiting for an answer. You finally received a call but thats just to tell you to come back to the hospital. This sudden transformation is so difficult to process, on both sides.. In fact, according to the charity Breast Cancer Now, some people say waiting for test results is the most worrying part of the entire process, regardless of the outcome. May your divine presence be with me as always and bless me with good results in this routine procedure. As a believer and meditation teacher, however, I am here to tell you that if that moment is wrapped in a cocoon of worry about whether or not you have to go through chemo and radiation therapies again, then the oh no! factor is like walking across hot coals with gasoline shoes. Get off your butt and put your body in motion. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. 2. May nothing arise from the diagnosis that will give me, my doctors, and my family any concern. Offer to chauffeur or even attend appointments. It seems reasonable to me to be feeling sad. One of the best things you can say is, Just tell me if you want me to leave or stop askingyou cant offend me! Winawer suggested. Therefore, I ask that you bless me with the fruits of my labor. Gracious God, I will not fail to ask for your abiding presence. what to say to someone waiting for medical results. Many people in a situation like yours would have that reaction. . God uses waiting to change us." Why You May Need a Healthcare Provider's Appointment to Get Your Lab Results. Sanders, who wasnt able to leave her house due to her accident, said that her relationships and social life suffered. . What do you say when someone gets a bad diagnosis? You may feel shocked, scared, concerned or uncertain on behalf of your loved one, said Anne Moyer, an associate professor of psychology at Stony Brook University. Psalm 56:3 NIV When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. When the word finally came that the scan showed no changes, aka, you get to live a little longer, I was literally stunned by relief. Outside of this, the worries are a problem for future you not present you. But waiting for diagnosis delays that process since you don't even know what you can do to solve the problem. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If he has to make a choice, may he make it now. Proverbs 25:25 NIV Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. How do you help someone with medical problems? May all the glory be ascribed unto your holy name. Sometimes a consult with a pain doctor is needed to help manage pain. Here are three things you may want to say but should skip: If you want to help but dont know where to start, here are some suggestions on how to support someone with a serious illness. "You mean so much to me!" Tell someone what they mean to you before they go into surgery. However, sometimes the angry feelings burst out inappropriately, like on the lab technician whos trying to take your blood sample for a test. Frustration refers to the feeling of having your purpose or action blocked. With uncertainty about your health issues, you are left in limbo, not knowing exactly how you should feel because you don't know what you're facing. Isaiah 12:2 NIV Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and will not be afraid. Do Move. Remove all your fears and have faith . When you're waiting for medical test results or a potential diagnosis for yourself or your baby, time seems to come to a grinding halt. It is always okay to ask your healthcare provider about treatment guidelines or why a test or appointment is being recommended. I receive grace to remain steadfast and patient as I expect the test results in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Want your test results? By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Your email address will not be published. Immediately upon leaving the mobile scan machine, it was once again 2009 and I was walking out of my first CT scan trying to read the faces of the technicians who had monitored the process. If results are shared by phone, email, or online, how does the office ensure they will only be shared with me or my designees? The first steps may be to use diet and exercise to stop or reverse the disease. M | Do healthcare providers call you if test results show bad news? Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls; for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Just saying . Therefore, I ask that you calm my nerves and overwhelm me with your peace throughout this standard procedure. You need someone to listen to you and remind you of their love and presence in your life. Answer (1 of 6): I had breast cancer 8-years ago and I remember that wait. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Do Make a promise to yourself to use your time (however much that is) to bring joy, lightness and ease into your life and the lives of all those you touch. This wait can make you feel numb or it can make you feel like the Tasmanian Devil is living inside your head, running in 100 directions at once, wreaking havoc in your mind. Waiting for the results of a medical test, or for a diagnosis, can be agonizing. I ask that you make the findings of my biopsy tests conclusive and nothing to worry about. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 2). Impatience is perhaps the first emotion many people feel when awaiting a diagnosis. How long does it take to get the test results? Can you sue someone for almost hitting you? A third reason why waiting is hard is because as people we dont like to wait. 6. A cortisol blood test is one of the most commonly used blood tests. Hope you feel all the love surrounding you right now. Waiting for an appointment, a procedure, or a consultation may give you the feeling of hurry up and wait.. Instead, offer words of encouragement instead like, You are amazing, she suggested. Choose the people you spend time with carefully. Sometimes, after youve waited days or weeks for test results, you just cant wait any longer. Christina Pandapas, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, agreed that simple gestures often go a long way. When first meeting with a new healthcare provider, ask about their test result policies. Waiting For Results What To Do When You Have To Wait. Anxiety is a normal response to the feeling of being threatened. Although each person with cancer is different, here are some general suggestions for showing support: Dont say I know how you feel because you cant possibly know. I pray that you help me never to have any reason to undergo anyone again. It was dj vu all over again, including the numbness in my toes a sure sign that my brain was calling on all blood cells. You may feel impatient with your spouse or friends. The Cancer Council (cancervic.org.au) has a checklist of questions to ask when you get results, while NPS MedicineWise (nps.org.au) has a list of tests and medications detailing ingredients, possible side-effects and alternatives. If faced with bad news, I decided to create a to-feel list rather than a to-do list, Ashwood says. . A 14bn plan to reduce NHS backlogs caused by Covid is failing to meet targets, with cancer waiting times at their worst-ever levels, parliament's spending watchdog . Part of HuffPost Wellness. Yet when the danger we are considering comes from our thoughts, rather than an acute and readily apparent danger in our midst (such as a lion attacking) the reaction can lead to further anxiety and stress, causing physical responses such as increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and more. When theres a chance you may have a serious illness, the delay between testing and diagnosis can be torturous.
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