Trigger warning: mentions cancer. If you have health anxiety I recommend that you do not read this.
I noticed a symptom and I ignored it thinking it was my health anxiety fixating on something but after several months of the same fixation I went to my GP. I ended up with a two week urgent referral for potential cancer. I have had my appointment now and I am completely fine (thank God). I am so so so relieved and grateful and I am thinking of all of those who don't get good news.
I feel a bit shaken up after this experience. Just in 2020 alone three other adults in my close family have had cancer scares too and all were thankfully fine. All of those seemed to take it in their stride but I just feel a little floored by the whole experience. I think partly because I can usually rationalise my health anxiety by saying it is just anxiety but by having the GP refer me has kind of provided evidence for my health anxiety and I feel like my health anxiety may get worse. At the same time I don't know if I am just being overly dramatic. Referrals are common and the large majority of referrals end up being fine.
I don't really know what I am looking for by posting this I just felt like I needed to get it off my chest. I am feeling very grateful and emotional this evening. I am also so grateful for our wonderful NHS.