Excitation Transfer
In psychology, there is a theory called excitation transfer. It basically says that we sometimes misinterpret our physiological arousal (due to exercise, hormones, drugs, etc.) to sources other than the actual cause of the arousal. For example, people tend to underestimate how long it takes them to recover from exercise. In many instances, people may feel like they are back to normal when their heartrate and blood pressure are still elevated. In these cases, the physiological arousal might be attributed to a source OTHER than the exercise.
What does this have to do with me and cancer? I’m glad you asked. My appetite has been “off” for the last couple of days. In fact, a couple of times today, I was afraid I was going to get sick. As much as I focus on the hear and now and all the positive things that are going on, this evening I spent a little time being self-indulgent wondering what if… What if this nausea IS NOT just associated with something I ate today? What if my not feeling well is a sign of something more sinister.
Again, intellectually, I understand that I am likely just attributing my physical symptoms to a very salient aspect of my life (the cancer), but knowing that does not make it any easier to not have that emotional reaction.
Just wanted to share that insight from tonight.
Merle
Hey Merle-
I read this all of the time because I have chronic pancreatitis and PC runs in my family. I hope you are feeling better and I understand what you are saying about thinking things are something sinister. I wish I knew how to stop thinking that way but I don’t so again I will say good luck and you aren’t alone!
Kym