“I am anxiously waiting for my lung biopsy results,” said a MyLungCancerTeam member. “It feels like my life is about tests and waiting, waiting, waiting for results.”

People with lung cancer may need biopsies — which entails removing a tissue sample for examination under a microscope — at different stages of the disease. Biopsies can be used to confirm a lung cancer diagnosis or check if the tumors have spread. Unfortunately, it takes some time to get the results, and waiting can be the hardest part.

“Days feel like years when you’re waiting for such important results,” explained another member.

Figuring out how to stay calm while waiting for biopsy results may seem easier said than done. But tips that work well for MyLungCancerTeam members may help you, too. Here are some strategies you can try.

1. Think Positively

“Try working on deep breathing exercises before bed to help you relax and decrease your anxiety. Try thinking happy thoughts. Breathe in positive thoughts and exhale negative ones,” suggested a MyLungCancerTeam member.

Assuming the worst is a surefire way to bring on anxiety. Listen to the voice in your head and try to reframe the words you’ve been telling yourself. You can break free from negative self-talk when you start paying more attention and rephrasing your thoughts. If you have trouble doing this in your mind, you can write down your thoughts in a journal and spend time writing out your story and picturing favorable outcomes.

“Take each day as it comes. Live for TODAY, and don’t stress over the ‘what ifs?’ Stay positive! Our attitude does indeed make a difference,” advised another member.

Practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment, including the things that are going well today or the things you’re grateful for, can help prevent your imagination from running into the worst-case scenario. Remind yourself to be present today rather than fixating on the future.

2. Consider Medication

It’s normal to feel anxious when waiting for test results. “I take some drugs when I have a CT scan and MRI. It helps quite a bit. It is a very anxiety-provoking time,” said a MyLungCancerTeam member.

Remember, you don’t have to deal with the stress by yourself. A mental health professional can help talk you through your anxiety and recommend appropriate anti-anxiety medications or meds to help you sleep. Medications, such as mild tranquilizers and antidepressants, are sometimes used as a short-term bridge to help someone get through a difficult time while working on longer-term strategies like behavioral therapy.

High stress levels are counterproductive and not good for your physical or emotional health. Avoid self-medicating with unhealthy coping strategies and talk to someone who can help manage your anxiety safely. Getting your anxiety under control can set you up to make better medical decisions, improve your ability to follow treatment recommendations, and even reduce physical symptoms (like pain and nausea) throughout cancer treatment.

3. Try Physical Activity

“I love physical work. It takes my mind off the negative,” shared a member of MyLungCancerTeam. “This summer, I put in a 12-foot-by-12-foot patio. I moved about 3 tons of materials around, including sand, pea gravel, and pavers/retaining wall blocks. It wore me out, but felt great.”

If lung cancer has left you feeling too tired for vigorous exercise, that’s OK. Finding the right balance of physical movement and rest is essential to your well-being, particularly when you’re stressed about pending biopsy results. Exercise when you feel up to it or take up a hobby that occupies your mind and body. You can meet with a physical therapist to help assess your physical condition and find the right levels of exercise for you.

Staying busy with physical activity or productive tasks can help prevent the waiting time for test results from getting the best of you. Take on tasks that help you feel accomplished so you’ll stay motivated and encouraged by the rewards of your labor. Do things you enjoy, like working on an art project, playing a musical instrument, or cooking. If you can’t think of anything to do for yourself, consider helping others by volunteering your time and nervous energy to someone else in need.

4. Talk to Your Health Care Providers

“You have to be your own advocate when dealing with your cancer. … When they say they will call, you should say, ‘On what day?’” said a MyLungCancerTeam member.

If you have questions about when your results will be available, don’t be afraid to ask. Health care professionals should be able to give you a realistic idea of when you’ll hear your results or why there may be delays in communication.

“You have to advocate for yourself,” echoed another member. “Follow through by calling a week after any test if you haven’t heard back.”

Finding a cancer care facility that respects your desire to get answers promptly is essential to feeling supported and in control. You should be able to access your test results and medical information in a patient portal whenever you need to review them.

If you don’t think you’re being heard or your care isn’t prioritized, consider finding a new provider who is better about keeping you in the loop and addressing your concerns. Transfer your records so you don’t have to repeat unnecessary testing.

5. Seek Support

If you’re struggling to get through anxiety-provoking test results, treatments, or other aspects of life with lung cancer, seek help from a support group. In-person or online networks can connect you with other people with cancer who can empathize with your situation.

“I remember being right where you are. Wondering what’s next along with the thousand other thoughts that go through your mind,” one MyLungCancerTeam member shared with another.

Support groups can be helpful when family members or friends don’t quite know how to be supportive. Hearing that others have felt the same way while waiting for biopsy results will help you feel less alone and more accepted during your journey.

Find Your Team

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 11,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Are you someone who wants as much information about your medical tests as possible, even if there’s a possibility of bad news? Or, do you rely on normal activities and routines to keep lung cancer off your mind? Share your suggestions in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.