Health anxiety after losing mum to sarcoma

I lost my mum to uterine sarcoma this April. She had been perfectly healthy her whole life and very careful with her diet, exercise etc so it was obviously very shocking to us. 

 

In addition to the huge loss, grief and trying to cope without her, I have found that I have become very anxious and paranoid about my own health. Every day I feel I have symptoms of something serious, particularly cancer and find myself googling symptoms. When one thing seems sort of under control, I feel like another symptom has appeared. Has anyone experienced this after losing a loved one to cancer? I feel paralysed by this and having trouble focusing on other more important things. 

  • Hi rk999, I understand your anxiety, both my parents died of myeloma of the blood so obviously I was worried that I may get it, but I took proactive steps to avoid this worry.  I called my GP and they had me in for blood tests to ensure I was not at risk and they came back negative so I felt more settled.  I know that at the moment its difficult to see a GP but you can ring your surgery and ask for a doctor to call you and discuss your concerns.  Stop googling, nearly everyone who does puts in so many symptoms it always comes back with "could be cancer related" so stop it, it's causing you more upset than comfort.  Let us know how you get on, kind regards, Carol 

  • Thanks for writing to me Carol. I'm so sorry to hear about your parents - so tragic. I have called the GP and will see if they can help. I've also started to see a bereavement counsellor and she said I should visit the Dr as many times as I need to feel reassured. I appreciate your advice and the support of everyone on this forum. 

  • You are welcome and I'm pleased you are doing something!  Carol