Cancer is making me a hypochondriac

 

 

Approx. 2.5 years ago I was diagnosed with uterine cancer.   Since then, I have been on hormone therapy with scans first every 3 months and now I am going a full year.  I have noticed that the longer I go (supposedly) cancer free, the more aches, pains and doctor appointments I have.  I had a mole removed a month ago and it came back severly atypical.....I'm now worried I'm going to get melanoma.  I recently had a full heart work up done in the ER as well as cardiologist office because of heart palpitations (I keep thinking the hormone therapy is damaging my heart).  I'm fearful to go get my anual mammogram that I might have breast cancer.  I recently had a colonoscopy because I had some blood in stool.  I'm living life absolutely miserable.  I cannot get past my cancer diagnosis, yet I'm trying to get my life back to the way it was before my diagnosis as well.  I'm beginning to think I will never get that life back....a life free of worry, angst and fear over every ache and pain.  

 

 

 

  • Hi,

    It is totally understandable to be paranoid after being diagnosed once with cancer, it is something that stirs very strong feeling if you have to battle it. And until it happens to you, I don’t think you can really get how difficult it is to leave with and vulnerable it leaves you.

    I have been diagnosed with terminal colon cancer and mets to liver, lungs and bones. It has been a roller coaster of emotions but I although I know it can be cured and will get worth, I have decided that it will not rule my life. I could spend my days crying and being depressed by it but what would this achieve?

    You do need to consider the possibility of other symptoms to be checked and act asap if you think there something but don’t let it take over your life because you may as well have my diagnostic. Life is shorter than we think, choose to live it not let it pass you by.

    Is there a cancer charity or a local hospice near you that runs a mindfulness course that could help you focus and drown unnecessary worries? Or even a psychologist you could talk to. My partner and I did both and it helps refocus your thoughts and prioritise what matters.  

    Good luck, you can do it!

    Izax

     

  • Hi. Unfortunately I don't think that you're alone with these feelings. Although I haven't had such extreme post - cancer treatments as you have had, for a long time I felt that no matter how hard I tried i just couldn't shake feeling ill. Then suddenly one day I did feel well. It was as simple as that. So be patient.  That fear will always lurk. I can't get a sore throat,  a cough or become hoarse without fearing a return of the lymphoma-thyroid. But common sense generally prevails thankfully. Keep your chin up.