If you feel anxious about your upcoming treatment, know that you are far from alone. Treatment anxiety is one of the most common experiences among cancer patients, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with feeling it. Your body and mind are responding to a situation that is genuinely stressful, and that response deserves compassion, not judgment.
Prepare what you can control. One of the hardest parts of cancer treatment is the feeling that so much is happening to you rather than being chosen by you. Take back small pockets of control where you can. Pack a comfort bag for treatment days with headphones, a favorite book or podcast, a soft blanket, snacks you enjoy, and a water bottle. Having familiar, comforting items nearby can make the clinical environment feel a little less intimidating and a little more like your own space.
Breathe intentionally when the anxiety rises. Try the 4-7-8 technique: breathe in slowly for four seconds, hold your breath gently for seven seconds, and exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. This simple practice activates your body's calming response and can bring you back from the edge of panic. You can do it in a waiting room, in a treatment chair, or anywhere you need a moment of peace.
Bring someone with you if you can. Having a trusted person by your side during treatment, whether a partner, a friend, a sibling, or a parent, can make a world of difference. They do not need to say anything particularly wise or comforting. Their presence alone is the message: you are not doing this alone.
Talk to your medical team about your anxiety. Many people feel embarrassed to bring up emotional struggles with their doctors, but your oncology team has seen this countless times. They understand, and they may be able to offer strategies, referrals, or other forms of support that can make treatment days more manageable. Asking for help with anxiety is not a sign of weakness. It is part of taking care of yourself.
Develop a small ritual for treatment days. Some people listen to a specific playlist on the way to the hospital. Some write in a journal before and after. Some call a friend during the drive home. Having a personal ritual can create a sense of structure and meaning around something that otherwise feels chaotic.
Remember that each treatment session is a step forward on your path. It may not feel like it when you are sitting in that chair, but you are doing something incredibly brave. You are fighting, and that takes a kind of courage that most people will never fully understand.