{"id":4082,"date":"2021-01-16T03:35:50","date_gmt":"2021-01-16T03:35:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.geneticsupportfoundation.org\/?p=4082"},"modified":"2021-12-21T20:41:44","modified_gmt":"2021-12-21T20:41:44","slug":"cancer-coping-living-with-uncertainty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.geneticsupportfoundation.org\/index.php\/2021\/01\/16\/cancer-coping-living-with-uncertainty\/","title":{"rendered":"Cancer Coping: Living with Uncertainty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Written By: Cobie Whitten, PhD<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While uncertainty is inevitable, it is hard. We yearn for certainty and security about the future. This is especially true after we have encountered a potential threat to our health or well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The more we resist the uncertainty, the more pain we experience. By acknowledging and even accepting the unanswered questions and the inability to know the future, we free up energy to be in this present moment (which of course is all we really have). We do have the ability to control what we choose to pay attention to \u2013 even when it feels like things are out of control. For example, the simple technique of focusing on your breath and being present is often amazingly effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my work as a psycho-oncologist, I suggest that folks control all they can – \u201cdot the i\u2019s and cross the t\u2019s\u201d (e.g., have a trusted health care team, do good self-care, have an advanced care directive, etc.) and then live their lives with meaning, joy, and love. You may be able to meet some of your goals on your own; others may require some assistance \u2013 please do not be hesitant about getting assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In situations that feel out of control, self-awareness, recognizing your own needs, and self-advocating can help you feel empowered. Give yourself permission to throw out previous priorities and embrace new ones. As I used to tell my college students, it is not a question of whether boulders come at you in life . . . they will. The question is what you will do when the boulders come. What coping tools do you have? Use whatever threat you are experiencing now to enhance your flexibility and coping skills: Expand your toolbox. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some other suggestions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n