So really you know what you have to do, stop googling!!  I've just been talking to a friend today, same age as me, 71 years but young at heart, don't forget we're the children of the sixties, an exciting challenging time for us, no social media, no Internet, no googling, we lived our lives, ignored aches and pains, we knew most would go away on their own, and they did, we never discussed cancer as it wasn't in our vocabulary, but we lost grandparents and parents to cancer, my grandad lost his battle with lung cancer whilst I was pregnant with my first baby but never once did it occur to me that I might get it.  So my point is, live each day without worry and stress, it gets you precisely no where, even now as I look after my lovely husband who has lung cancer, not once have I googled his symptons, there is an old saying, never listen behind closed doors as you may hear something you don't wish to hear, to me googling is the same.  So enjoy each day, love your children and be happy for them, they don't need a worried Mummy.  So big hugs your way and look after you.  Carol 

Carol - your advice is so true. I've copied your message so I can read it regularly. I have had health anxiety for years and it literally has taken over my life. Any sensation immediately triggers catastrophic thoughts in my mind. I will go back to the sensation again and again to check it's still there and then feel full of anxiety. If ever I'm going on holiday or going away for a weekend or I'm looking forward to something it's worse than ever. I did see a psychotherapist and she did explain to me that some nerve in my neck that travels to my head has got so used to the fight and flight mode that my body just automatically goes to that. I do keep a diary and write my thoughts and feelings in there and sometimes it does help. I am going away this weekend for a friends birthday and all I can think about is the sensation in my tummy on the left side. It's a new sensation so not one I have had checked before. That makes it worse. If it's a sensation that has occurred before I can convince myself that it has been checked and everything is okay. It's a miserable existence. I feel so sorry for all you young ones – I am 61 but do know you are not alone. It helps knowing other people feel like I do. Tx again Carol for your contribution – very wise. X

Carol - your advice is so true. I've copied your message so I can read it regularly. I have had health anxiety for years and it literally has taken over my life. Any sensation immediately triggers catastrophic thoughts in my mind. I will go back to the sensation again and again to check it's still there and then feel full of anxiety. If ever I'm going on holiday or going away for a weekend or I'm looking forward to something it's worse than ever. I did see a psychotherapist and she did explain to me that some nerve in my neck that travels to my head has got so used to the fight and flight mode that my body just automatically goes to that. I do keep a diary and write my thoughts and feelings in there and sometimes it does help. I am going away this weekend for a friends birthday and all I can think about is the sensation in my tummy on the left side. It's a new sensation so not one I have had checked before. That makes it worse. If it's a sensation that has occurred before I can convince myself that it has been checked and everything is okay. It's a miserable existence. I feel so sorry for all you young ones – I am 61 but do know you are not alone. It helps knowing other people feel like I do. Tx again Carol for your contribution – very wise. X