Worrying my dad has skin cancer

[MadSprocker]

I really don't want to come across as being self indulgent and belittling other people's medical problems, and apologise if I do. Also not sure if this is the right place to post. Phoned my df earlier, just having a general conversation, and I asked if he was ok, and he mentioned that he was seeing the nurse practitioner about a sore bit on his face (upper part side of nose where his glasses sit) that isn't healing (because the glasses sit there). He also has a bite on his leg. Now I have got worked up inside my head with the worst case scenario, and googled. I have anxiety and see a therapist once a week, though we are having a break for Easter, and one of the thing I do is castrophophise situations before they actually happen. Please don't flame me, I know there is no diagnosis, and probably won't be. Does anyone else do this?

[Jaimx86]

My dad had skin cancer... In exactly the same spot! He was reluctant to go to the Dr but my mum forced him as she has had two bouts of skin cancer. Both are completely okay :). Operations removed all of the cancer and my dad had a skin graft from his neck for his nose. Can't see it now as its where his glasses lie. Mum's was s but more complicated 2nd time round so has some big scars on her arm, but all is well.

Let me know if you need any more info or just need to chat x

[MadSprocker]

Haven't heard anything back from mum and dad. My mum had basal cell carcinoma treatment a couple of years ago, so I kind of know what that involves. Thanks for offer of chat. I will let you know, when I know.

[FarrowandBallAche]

It might be actinic keratosis.

[Wolpertinger]

Take a big breath, step away from google - what would your therapist suggest?

Think about the info you have given us already:

He has a bite on his leg - OK, so that one is a bite.

He has a sore bit on his face. It is where is glasses sit so it doesn't heal.
Does this sound sensible? Yes it does. (I can help here - I get exactly the same, spent a fortune on new glasses in the hope they wouldn't do it and they still cause a sore bit )
Is it likely to be cancer? - No there is a good explanation why it is something else. Plus he is seeing a healthcare professional about it.

What if it was cancer which it almost certainly is not, BCC and SCC have a particular appearance different to sore spot from glasses?
You've given us the answer. Your mum has had a BCC, got treated and is fine.

Health anxiety is a terrible condition, google makes it worse. I hope you get to enjoy your Easter

[MadSprocker]

All ok and thanks for support. He has been prescribed antibiotic cream for nose and steroid cream for leg.
I really mean the thanks. I tend to be a very put my head in the sand type of person and want to avoid anything that opens a torrent of feelings, which is a reason for getting therapy. If anyone finds my original post insensitive I will have it removed.

[Wolpertinger]

I think if anyone found your post insensitive then they don't understand health anxiety which is a horrible horrible problem.

Google is not your friend. It feels like more information will give you control but actually it just feeds the anxiety.

I hope your therapy is going well - well done for tackling it!

[MadSprocker]

Thanks Wolpertiger. Therapy really works for me, also on anti d's. I am becoming more resilient about stuff in general.