Health anxiety about breast cancer

[rosewater20]

I have horrible health anxiety right now, and I am trying to talk myself down from thinking that I have breast cancer. I have suffered from health anxiety in the past, but after having CBT I was dealing with it well for about three years. Now, health anxiety has appeared again (following three years of watching close family members go through various cancers). But currently, I am worried about having inflammatory breast cancer (which of course is the worse kind to have). It started last week when I had shooting pains in my breast, and then today I discovered a bright red mark which has sent me over the edge. I made the mistake of Googling it, and the first thing that appeared was inflammatory breast cancer. I really wish I could stay off Google, and I also wish that Google didn't allow the most deadly diseases to be the very first search results when you Google.

I called my GP who kindly offered to see me next week and give me an ultrasound to set my mind at ease, but I am already thinking "what if they misdiagnose me and then it's too late".

It is so hard to know what should be taken seriously or what symptoms I am just creating from my anxiety. I hate this.

Any advice? Is anyone else going through this?

I have anxiety, there is a site called "no more panic" they have a forum and one of the sub forums is health anxiety. You will find people to talk to just like you and who worry like you do too.

Take the ultrasound, remember that they can see the chambers in tiny babies hearts, the tiny organs. They know what they are looking for.

I've just had my first mammogram and the pamphlet that came with it gave good statistics on breast cancer.

Whatever you do, don't bury your head in the sand. I'm sure you will be fine, but please go get it checked.

www.nomorepanic.co.uk/forum.php

@Seahorseshoe Thank you for responding. I am going to read the forum you sent.

I will get the ultrasound, and I won't bury my head in the sand. I am too scared not to follow up!

What makes me upset is that I wish I were able to have a symptom and not jump to the most extreme diagnosis. Of course, if I have nipple pain and a red spot, it must be the most deadly form of breast cancer you can get. It doesn't even occur to me that it could be something routine or curable or even that my two symptoms could be completely unrelated. I am exhausted from it.

Anxiety is the pits. I really feel for you as you make yourself so unhappy and worried. It's horrible to feel that way.

Good luck, I'm not medically trained, but chances are it'll be fine. Let us know how you get on with the ultrasound. And check out that forum, it's full of people who feel just like you do. 💐💐💐 x

OP I hear you. It's a horrible way to feel and logically you know the chances are that it's nothing to worry about, yet your brain has decided to fill in the gaps with a little help from Dr Google. Getting yourself checked out is the absolutely right thing to do. You might find an app called Youper useful if you don't already have it? Take a look at it and see what you think. In the meantime, try not to dwell on things until you've seen the doc / had ultrasound. There is nothing you can do about it until then. Let us know how it goes?

Thank you, everyone. I will stay (at least try) off of Google and will report back once I see the doctor.

@rosewater20

You aren't alone. There are many of us like you.
I was exactly the same last December and let it get out of control before accepting help.
Get as much support as you can for the anxiety.

Those people who got help, please could you tell me how you did this? My DH’s health anxiety is currently out of control and pulling our marriage apart.

I’d be very grateful if you can point me in a direction to offer support. Thank you.

Just wanted to update as I said I would come back once my tests were done. I went to the GP who gave me an exam and also had another GP come in to do an exam as well (because the first GP knew I was anxious and wanted to put my mind at rest). I also had an ultrasound done. Both the physical exam and ultrasound ruled out anything suspicious.

Both doctors were very kind to me and put my mind at ease. They both said that health anxiety is very common now, and I shouldn't feel embarrassed. The nurse said that even she gets health anxiety when she looks things up on Google.

I am now trying hard to stay away from Google. I think this is key. I also remind myself during times of anxiety that none of the scary health issues that I have thought I had in the past has ever turned out to be my reality.

@Craftymoo if you explain in more detail how your husband is reacting to his health anxiety we may be able to give you some insight and advice.

rosewater thank you so much for the update. I've also heard that HA is so common nowadays. Staying away from Dr. Google is a great idea x

Ahhh glad it all turned out ok, op.

You're right in reminding yourself, if there is a next time, that all previous HA's have been nothing to worry about. 💐