I've been thinking about uncertainty in life today and the fear it can cause some people.  There is so much uncertainty economically, relationship wise and so many other ways for so many, even to the point of where will the next meal come from, where will I sleep tonight.  These are big issues.

But in chronic illness/cancer there is a lot of uncertainty too for people who are facing appointments, scans, treatments etc.  Presently I am in a cubicle in short stay in emergency, waiting for a bed, which may not be available for a day or two.  I'll be OK. I just couldn't keep down oral antibiotics, so had to have an IV infusion.  So far I've been able to have this laptop here.  There is a feeling of uncertainty everywhere here, especially with patients, family members, junior doctors, tired nurses. 

Some of you reading here must also be going through times of uncertainty.  So how do you cope.  For me it always helps to keep the focus just on the present moment, which is all we have right here, right now.  With the kids I would try to encourage curiousity and a sense of adventure. It helped them to focus on being grateful too.  We'd find things in the moment to be thankful for.  When they became interested and curious about everything around them they soon forgot the fear of uncertainty.  Of course meditation is the great help. 

The perception of change is a sure thing in life, but with that comes uncertainty in so many ways.  However, we do have the choice to focus now and not let the uncertainty make us fearful.  How do you folk deal with any uncertainty you feel in relation to illness? For example, I know people who have a great deal of trouble waiting for scan results (scanxiety we call it here). I don't have that trouble because I can easily forget to collect results, go to appointments... I guess I think whatever will be, will be... everything will be Ok and I will cope anyway.  But I know that the uncertainty of the illness can affect some people more than the actual illness.  So, do you weigh pros and cons, tell yourself you will handle whatever happens, use affirmations etc.? Your suggestions might just help someone else reading here, someone who feels really uncertain right now.

It's so easy to say don't worry, be happy, etc.  Not easily done!  Yes, life is more uncertain now.  I'm always anxious when I have a CT-scan of my kidneys and abd every year.  I have learned to live in the moment and take each day with it's problems and joys, as they happen.  The what if's are a waste of my time and energy.  It's a lot easier to take a deep breath and meditate until the anxiety passes. It works for me everytime.

Thanks Vanessa.  I've had to learn a lot of life's lessons the hard way.  You have all been my teachers and we are all in this together!  I'm also very blessed to have Bernie as my friend and mentor.