The cone of uncertainty describes more than Dorian. The now deadly hurricane is fierce and captures our imaginations as if everyone is in the Three Little Pigs story. The wolf is at the door in the Southeast; the cone of uncertainty, evacuations, decreased water and gas supplies (oh and chips!?) keep us riveted to the alerts.
People feel a similar impact with a cancer diagnosis. Will I survive, how long, will it devastate my family and me, can I afford the therapy- so many uncertainties personal to each. The “cone” extends from overwhelming you or moving you closer to cure, depending upon the disease and your ability to tolerate. Devastation can occur. It’s all terrifying. If you could evacuate to save yourself, you would. Having no escape but to plow straight through it often requires a rescue plan.
Doctors and patients alike cannot tolerate this uncertainty- we need discipline around the cancer process. We desire outcomes that are positive. We really want to rescue you and fast. So how can we all deal with this drama? Realize that you do not need to know everything now. Make a plan in case you are no longer here to help your family. Even if you don’t need it for years, it will give you calm. Then take a breath and know you are only being asked to cooperate with therapy and otherwise have no control. Give it up. Have faith that your physicians are preparing you and that is the best you can do. Just like the pressure stream swooping in all the way from the Gulf of Alaska pushing Dorian away from the Northeast, you may be rescued by a new drug or therapy just before devastation. I see this with immune and targeted therapy in many diseases.
The storm will be over. You will look back and be amazed at how you survived or you will decide you have had enough. Either way, you will not be uncertain. Your life is unfolding as it should. Acceptance is healing. Stand firm in the eye and above all, never doubt the certainty of your own strength.