what to say to someone waiting for medical results

Dont feel bad if you have to cancel plans at the last minute, I understand. As I wait for the results, I pray that you be with me throughout these procedures. Faithful God, as I receive my test results today, I pray that your peace will dominate my spirit, soul, and body to the glory of your holy name. They may intervene if follow-up requests seem excessive or inappropriate. Keep an open mind and remember they're meant to be a partner in your care. What to Say to Someone With Cancer. So you make the call and once again, youre waiting. I have provided some for you. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. "Let's plan a girls' night after you recover from your surgery!" The obvious assumption is that things will go well when you say you are eager to make plans with someone after surgery. Getting results can be overwhelming so take notes or use your phones voice memo function to record the information provided by the doctor and avoid confusion later. Reneging on a promise to the big I am is bad karma. I am grateful that you allowed me to lean on you when I was most vulnerable and anxious. God Works While We Wait Something actually happens while nothing is happening. 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. Waiting for THE CALL got me like #justkeepwaiting #lularoequeueclub #lularoe, A post shared by LuLaRoe Danielle Meek (@lularoedaniellemeek) on Jul 1, 2016 at 9:13am PDT. The irony is, I just wrote a post on how to help an anxious child at the doctor's office . What do you write in a get well card for someone with cancer? . Its bad enough that it took forever to schedule an appointment that started an hour late, but now all you can do is go home and stare at your phone, waiting for it to ring. Your email address will not be published. Can Airbnb take money from my account for damages? Loving Father, you know how anxious I get about doctors offices, hospitals, needles, and medical equipment. Even with certain types of cancer, including colorectal and prostate cancer, there's little evidence quarterly visits reduce your relapse risk or improve survival rates. Waiting for an appointment, a procedure, or a consultation may give you the feeling of hurry up and wait.. Holiday or anytime gift ideas for a cancer patient. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. So, I pray you give my doctor a clear mind as he reviews my test results. Stress and anxiety may also prevent you from focusing on routine activities such as cooking, studying, and reading. Mighty God, please help my doctors discover the right path to take on this issue. 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. People say, Suck it up . Sometimes the angry feelings can be channeled into something productive, like advocating for yourself or a loved one. Dont Stop planning for the future, including what youre going to have for dinner. For some people, talking with friends, family, a clergy person, and/or a counselor can help in dealing with these feelings while waiting for a diagnosis. Mentally, I had prepared for the event of having the blood drawn, but it caught me off guard how quickly anxiety crept into my mind about the actual results of the test that we had to wait for. May this good news be so amazing that it will be like music to my ears. And be thankful. There are many online communities dedicated to family caregivers, and this might be helpful for your loved ones. We know you will again come out with flying colors. what to say to someone waiting for medical results You may have trouble sleeping at night, find yourself being nervous, or be preoccupied with thinking about the diagnosis. F | There, youll also find thoughts and questions by our community. Clin Infect Dis. If you are asking, How do you pray for medical healing?. On the other hand, do you have "toxic friends" who you may need to bid goodbye. In addition, may my blood count come out normal or be in a range with a straightforward course of action. May all the glory be ascribed unto your holy name. So, I can assure you that as you make the above prayers for good medical test results, the Lord will give you nothing but a favorable outcome and peace to wait patiently without any anxiety for a doctors report. Scanxiety . Trish is the Cancer Editor at The Mighty. 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. As with impatience, frustration with your medical issue can carry over to other parts of your life. Thank you, Most Loving God, because you are the one who specializes in turning bad reports into good ones. What do you say to someone expecting results? Try authentic and empathetic statements, like Im not sure what to do to help, but I care about you, or Im feeling upset too, but want to do my best to help, Moyer suggested. During the seminar, Freiberg said "that many people who are prescribed the medication . You're the bravest person I know, and you will get through this. It is only natural to worry. I reject every conspiracy of darkness to make me shed bitter tears concerning my health in the name of Jesus Christ. Understand that being there for someone with a serious health issue is a balancing act, Pandapas said. Part of HuffPost Wellness. 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. And so now I wait for the results. Do Realize that all of our planning, cancer or no cancer, is based on the assumption that were going to be around in the future. 1. Meeting in-person to go over results helps you both see what's happening and figure out why. Thank you, dear Lord, because the result I will receive shall be nothing far from what I anticipate. In order for this feeling to go away, it needs the neurotransmitter GABA to essentially "hush" these excited neurons. Or maybe you call for your results, and youre transferred three times and then put on hold for a half hour. , You Choose When to Talk about Your Cancer. By Trisha Torrey If a bill is higher than expected, confirm your insurer has been billed correctly. If, by chance, any news surfaces from the test, I am awaiting their results. Chronic conditions that are well managed shouldn't require many appointments, either. Then I will either wait for him or forget him." Paulo Coelho, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept #1. In fact, waiting can actually be a positive good that he often uses to make us more like his Son. Increased optimism while we are waiting for important news can decrease our stress. And in many cases, doctors may choose not to call patients because we know that they know we know whats going on, and they trust us, so we dont call unless its necessary, he says. Its vital to seek help and not suffer in silence.. If a friend or family member reaches out to you while they wait, you may find yourself at a loss for words. Psalm 56:3 NIV When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. But then when your timer goes . Cancer patients simply want to be their old selves, Spiegel says, so they often can fail to make their new needs clear to their loved ones and caregivers, which can lead to frustration and anger. Test result communication in primary care: clinical and office staff perspectives. Theres often a flurry of activity and assistance immediately following a diagnosis or accident, Winawer said. Offer to spend time with them and keep them busy. Don't ask what you can do to help or say, "Let me know if you need anything." So do something for . Waiting for a diagnosis can be one of the most difficult things a person experiences. Abba Father, I ask that you give my doctors good news to relate to me over all the tests. Heavenly Father, I pray for my dear friend awaiting his test results. How do you help a cancer patient emotionally? 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. We like things to happen when we want it to happen and even how we want it to happen. "You mean so much to me!" Tell someone what they mean to you before they go into surgery. She lost her father to stage 4 lung cancer in August 2016, and previously worked at a childrens cancer research organization, so she knows firsthand about the cancer experience. 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. It depends on your age, health, and the type and stage of your cancer. You can have many wishes for good medical results, but the best option remains to seek Gods help in anxious times through prayers. This Waiting for Medical Test Results Prayer can help lower your stress level and rely on God as you wait. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unlisted Public Company ~ Isaiah 26:3. Hope you feel all the love surrounding you right now. 2017;64(1):53-59. doi:10.1093/cid/ciw666. Amen. Great God, please sit with me while I wait for my CT/CAT scan results. Holy God, you know how I have been feeling for some time now. Get off your butt and put your body in motion. B | That's because your health is at risk in some way. L | Yes, it does! Sitting in silence may just be what the other person needs. Show the doctors what they need to see on my x-ray. Here are uplifting words of encouragement and encouraging words and quotes for anyonefriend, family or spouse. Everyone is so different and a one caring response is not easy. It's FREE! In other words, pitch in by taking an everyday task off their to-do list, like doing the laundry, making sure the bills are paid and mailed off or having dinner ready for the family. Think about practical strategies to simplify your life. Sometimes the uncertainty leaves you seemingly without an anchor. They can do so as long they verify it's you. However, we sometimes blow fears out of proportion, so its important to put worries back into perspective. She recommends this visualisation technique: Picture the worst-case scenario as if youre watching it on a movie screen, then shrink the picture until its tiny. In the morning, as soon as . We did manage a toast to health, and once again cursed the evil bastards who, in my cynical mind, think nothing of taunting those of us challenged by cancer with our very survivorship. M | Meals for the family are tremendously helpful, so is offering to take their kids to events, school, or have them over for sleepovers, she said. they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god. Do you want to tell me about it? or Ive never been in your position, but Id love to try to understand what its like, Winawer suggested. However, sometimes the angry feelings burst out inappropriately, like on the lab technician whos trying to take your blood sample for a test. Waiting for test results can be a nerve-wracking experience. Amen! Anything you can do to provide some fun and normalcy will ease stress for the whole family., Also, you can navigate around the ask by asking the persons spouse how you may be able to help. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. Also, stay with me as I await the results, which I do not doubt will be good ones. We have found when we call patients about lab results, they give us better patient satisfaction scores. A pat on the back, 'thinking of you', grin of support. Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Gupta R, Guptha S. Strategies for initial management of hypertension. And you might have to deal with symptomssuch as dizziness, nausea, or painwhile you're waiting for an answer. Outside of this, the worries are a problem for future you not present you. When first meeting with a new healthcare provider, ask about their test result policies. 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. It was as if the movie of my life had been kicked out of freeze frame and I was back in the flow. H | There was a strange silence between us as if the celebration of life had been rained on by the unnecessary struggle with uncertainty over the last four days. what to say to someone waiting for medical results. Pray effective prayers for good medical tests and favorable results. Lord Jesus, Im grateful for your mercy and grace in my life. Remove all your fears and have faith . After all, it may not feel "safe" to release your frustration with the clinic where you are receiving care (you might want to be seen as a "nice patient"), so you may finally let it go when your spouse forgets to pick up milk at the grocery store. It might be natural to offer to help by saying, Let me know if you need anything at all. However, that can put a person dealing with an illness in an awkward position of having to think of a way for you to assist them, said Nick Arquette, founder and CEO of Walk With Sally, a nonprofit that provides services to families impacted by cancer. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. I miss having you around. Double-check that the imaging center or lab has your providers correct information on file. "Waiting is not the problem, worry is," said Paula H. Finestone, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Sometimes you need to know more than just "positive" or "negative.". How Do You Get Rid Of Hiccups In 5 Seconds? 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. Quotations About Waiting For Someone. Better to ask, Do you want to talk about how you feel, how having cancer is affecting you? Dont offer information about unproven treatments or referrals to doctors with questionable credentials. However, if you are not sure of the diagnosis, some information can be confusing and upsetting. You may have just been tested too earlybefore your immune system had a chance to make the antibodies the test detects. 64. We spoke with people on both sides of the diagnosis doctors, psychologists and people who have been through their own health scares for their best advice on how you can help make a difficult time a little easier. 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. Father God, I come before you asking for good results for the urinalysis I had undergone. By the time I return to the doctor for the report of my diagnosis, may I receive normal results and hear everything looks good.. If you decide to use the healthcare provider, be sure to review the Terms of Agreement included in any intake documents you sign. Waiting for test results related to your cancer, chronic illness or other condition can be nerve-wracking (to say the least). You should also encourage them to take as many needed breaths as possible. What were they not telling me? Unfortunately, its also inevitable that well all deal with this kind of situation in life. Now you want to go grab a bite to eat, or read a book in the park, but the nervousness of the test results even follows you out in public. Whoever said there's no way to make time stand still clearly never had to endure the excruciating wait for scan results. What do you do? Higher levels of cortisol would indicate higher levels of stress. Making Use of Telehealth for Healthcare Provider Appointments, Telehealth for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19, What to Do If You Get a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result, Why You Might Get Billed for Messaging Your Provider in MyChart, Understanding Your Nerve Conduction and EMG Results, Why People Are Noncompliant with Treatment, Time until emergence of HIV test reactivity following infection with HIV-1: Implications for interpreting test results and retesting after exposure, Strategies for initial management of hypertension, Want your test results? Engage in Relaxing and Joyful Activities Feelings of stress and anxiety while waiting for the test results can make you become restless and fidget with objects around 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. June 14, 2022; pros and cons of stem cell therapy for knees . 1) "The best way to get through that agony is to focus on others," Irwin said. If youre facing a possible life-changing diagnosis, the waiting can be especially stressful. Please give me positive ultrasound test results. Whatsoever illness is hiding in my body, turn it around in my favor and return full movement back in my bones. I have faith in you!" This is a good message to use when your friend is scared or doubtful. Privacy Lord Jesus, may the x-ray be clear and easy to read and understand. "There is actually something happening while nothing is happening. This anger is often directed at the medical system that is making you wait for your diagnosis. If you do want to ask about their treatment or how they are feeling, try What is the latest?. Try viewing your time waiting for results as an exercise to practice being patient. Most people dealing with a serious illness have a medical team, Pandapas said. I need strength as I head to the hospital today. Consider talking to someone who is willing to listen and to be compassionate, like a friend, counselor, a clergyperson, or a peer in a support group. Because I have a life to live, and I need to live it in the best way possible. Thank you, Loving God, because I know you will spare my family and me the stress of a severe diagnosis. Don't Stop planning for the future, including what you're going to have for dinner. When you are told you cannot get an appointment with a specialist for three months, that the results of a specialized test takes six weeks, or that after seeing four doctors they still dont know whats wrong with you, you may feel very frustrated. 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. Sometimes a consult with a pain doctor is needed to help manage pain. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Compassionate God, I commit myself and the tests my doctor recommended I do to your loving hands. Also, dont assume theyre doing fine just because they look fine, she added. Breast cancer survivor Elissa Ashwood coped with her diagnosis by breaking it down into chapters. But think about ways you might cope to help yourself achieve some degree of comfort and peace of mind while you're waiting. You may feel impatient with your spouse or friends. Also, strengthen me to receive the outcome in good faith, whatever it may be. Please be with him at this crucial time. Once you begin that train of thought, it can go on and on. Or simply offer to go for a walk in the fresh air, so that he or she can open up and vent if need be. Soothe his anxiety with the knowledge that nothing can be against him because you are for him. W | 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. "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. Your fretting needs an outlet, though. She faced 33 rounds of radiotherapy and decided to wear a different dress to each one, then documented it on a blog (33dresses.com). All you want to know is what that irregular-shaped mole on your face really is, or why you have bouts of shortness of breath, or, worse, if your cancer is back. Thinking about you and hoping that you are having a good day. Everything Is Not OK: A TV Show Gave Me Flashbacks to Cancer, Radiation Dose May Increase Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors, TKI Drug Plus Chemotherapy May Improve Lung Cancer Outcomes. Anxiety is a normal response to the feeling of being threatened. Some people look for more information about cancer during this time. Indian J Med Res. Stick around in the long run, and try to send a text every so often or another way to show you care, like a gift certificate for a massage or manicure. I pray that my results will be normal so I can glorify you with a healthy body. If you're taking medications for chronic conditions, regular in-person appointments can help you stick to the treatment regimen. Basically, waiting is not fun. "Never rush into a relationship. When the test results finally emerge, may they calm my nerves with overwhelming good news. A | 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. 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X | Dear Father, though this is a routine check I must have, there is always a possibility that a serious medical condition may be discovered. Be kind to yourself and don't blame yourself for having your feelings. Youve made it through the work day. God uses waiting to change us." 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. Even if you have had surgery in the past, 'I know how you feel' isn't the best phrase to use in your conversation with someone about to go to surgery. Spending time with them doing normal activities watching TV shows, taking a yoga class, walking the dog and having conversations that dont involve their condition can be a much-needed respite. This is a real game-changer. 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. Loving Father, thank you because I am healthy, wealthy, and blessed. Foods that are rich in vitamin B, such as avocados and almonds, are known to help reduce stress, while depression has been linked to low levels of folic acid, so introduce veg such as asparagus and broccoli as well as citrus fruits into your diet. Sitting back down to lunch with my wife, who, as a result of my taking the call outside so as to not cause a scene in the restaurant, should one be necessary, was in a state of panic, we ate as if it were our last, and first, meal. Sometimes, it's appropriate to deliver lab results at a face-to-face appointment. 1. That could be from an infection, cancer, genetic disorder, or chronic health condition like heart disease or type 2 diabetes. I wish I knew exactly what to say, but I dont. That might feel like a waste of your time and money.