1) Gather friends around. Go for a long walk with one, see a movie with another, have breakfast with a third. At a time like this, you have every right to call in the troops!

2) Different people need different mixes of distracting themselves and talking about it. Find people you can pour your heart out to, if that suits your style, but feel free to say "OK, let's do something else now".

3) Finding good distractions in this situation is an art (in fact, I plan to have a "Distractions" section in the upcoming newsletter).
Many people find that they need things that they don't have to think too hard about: comedies on video, mystery novels, a chat with a "fun" friend. For others, difficult puzzles that they can really get their minds into are helpful.

4) If you can nap during the day, you might find it easier to do so, and not add lack of sleep at night to your worries. If you are
tossing and turning at night, get up, make some warm milk with honey and a bit of cinnamon, watch a video, and don't even try to sleep. Then, doze later when you can.

5) Some people find that actually "facing the worst" is actually calming. What would you do if you find out that you do, indeed, have cancer? If that question sends your mind in an unproductive spin, though, forget it!

6) Since you are trying to avoid standard medications, you might consider a mild herbal sleep aid (remember, though, that herbs used this way have their own effects and side effects, so if you are unsure, check with your doctor). Our Herbs for Healing site has this article on Insomnia.

7) If possible, (probably not, since this is a holiday weekend) see if you can possibly speed up getting the results. Sometimes a little assertion goes a long way in this area. When Tuesday comes, don't wait. Call first thing and let them know you want to find out ASAP.