If you have been called in for a lumpectomy with a lymph node biopsy then you are of course going to be worried about what the eventual outcome is. The idea of this procedure following the lumpectomy is to simply ensure that all of the cancerous cells have been destroyed. Despite the fact that we cannot predict when this cancer will arrive, we do know that it always behaves the same inside that body and that is why we check the lymph nodes following this procedure, to ensure that it is not trying to get through those nodes and into the rest of the body.
The wait for this type of appointment can be agonizing, and here are some tips on what to do ahead of seeing your doctor.
Stay Offline
It should go without saying but the reality is that there is nothing for you to gain by going online and searching for possible outcomes of your biopsy. Not only is there absolutely no way of the search engine having any idea of what has happened to you or what is going on, the human mind instantly jumps on to the most negative thing that you can find. It is best to avoid Dr. Google until you have had your appointment.
Learning to Relax
There is little point in trying to take your mind off this because it is going to be the only thing which you are able to think about until that appointment comes. What you can do however is try to remove the noise of other issues in your life, and to do that you need to learn how to relax. One greta way of doing this is meditation, and just 15 minutes per day will be more than enough for you to reduce the stress and anxiety which you may be feeling in other areas of your life.
Having Conversations
It is important that you are speaking to friends and family but this is not to say that you absolutely have to discuss what is actually going on with you. The key to speaking with people works as a reminder of the fact that they are there for you. Now if you wish to discuss your fears and your worries then this is fine, if not however then that shouldn’t stop you from having chats with the family and with your friends about other stuff, which has nothing to do with the appointment. When we go through something like this it can feel like we are alone, but we are not, and speaking with friends reminds us of this.
There is no doubt that this is going to be a time of much consternation for you and the worry and the anxiety will be overwhelming. The key thing is to try and live as best as you can, get plenty of rest, get out into the fresh air for some walks and connect with your nearest and dearest. The chances are it is nothing, so try to hold onto some positivity if you are able.