Cancer Research UK main site

Worried

Paige25
Offline

Hi. I'm growing increasingly worried that I may have cancer in my brain.

A few months ago I was walking and suddenly lost balance and nearly fell. Since then this has continued to happen. At night I've found I can't lay flat, have to have my pillows propped up because the back of my head feels weird and aches, and I also feel dizzy. 

I'm very tired all the time now and the dizziness occurs throughout the day. 

The last two weeks I've had a headache, pressure and pain all over the head at the front, back, top and sides as well as the dizziness. I've felt sick and off my food. Sometimes I feel faint but haven't fainted yet.

If I walk or run I get the pressure and pain, even if I go to the toilet. It's a really awful feeling and pain.

The last thing is my vision. At times it's blurry and in my left eye I have this greyish circle that is constantly spinning and moves wherever I look. I did go to the optometrist but she couldn't see any issues so I'm really worried now.

I've not looked up online as I know that will just cause stress. I know it may not be cancer but cancer does run in the family and a few years ago I fell and hit my head so I'm wondering if this is the result.

Any help with this would be really appreciated.

  • Offline

    Hi Paige,

    I can see why your symptoms are worrying you, they sound really unpleasant. It's so easy to fear the worst isnt it, when in actual fact there are probably many conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

    Have you contacted your GP?

  • Offline in reply to GlitterB

    Hi GlittersB,

    I do seem to focus on the really bad stuff. I have anxiety but I've never quite had problems like this before and I'm struggling with it. I've not got in touch with the GP yet, I don't want to waste anyone's time if it turns out to be nothing.

    Do you think it could be something serious that needs to be investigated? I've been told by family it's likely just anxiety and tension headache but I don't think generally they are that severe and last such a long time. Really don't know. Just very worried and scared.

  • Offline in reply to Paige25

    Hi Paige,

    I honestly don't know what's causing all of your symptoms, and your family may be right in that it's just anxiety related. Without having tests it's impossible to know for sure so I do think a call to the GP would be a good idea.

    Anxiety can really mess you up both mentally and physically. Been there and done that!

    I'm sure the doctor wont think you are wasting their time as you are clearly struggling.

    Keep me updated x

    Susie

  • Offline in reply to GlitterB

    Hi Susie,

    I just wanted to send you an update. It's been a long long time and a bit of a bumpy journey my end. How are you? I hope everything's good and life is going well for you :) 

    It wasn't cancer. At first my doctor thought it was anxiety so put me on anti anxiety / depression medication. I didn't feel they made a lot of difference. Anyway I decided to leave it and over time my symptoms slowly got worse and new ones happened. And then I got redness on my face, over my cheeks and nose. Under my eyes normal pale so it gave a sort of wing appearance and as soon as I showed my doctor she was 99% sure it was Lupus and she was right. It is lupus and it's attacked my kidneys, heart and liver. Not life threateningly so but enough to make me feel poorly and require a stay in hospital *cries*.

    But after that I have been feeling a bit better but now it's not so good again. I have a swollen node in my neck and my doctor is concerned so did bloods and my blood count isn't looking too good and I've also got lumps in tummy, night sweats, weight loss and I'm even more exhausted than I was before. So that's not looking good. I've been referred but not sure how long I've got to wait. I'm hoping it won't be for long.

    I hope you're ok :) 

    Have a nice day Susie.

  • Offline in reply to Paige25

    Hi Paige,

    Lovely to hear from you, but sorry you're still struggling.

    I don't know much about Lupus, but it sounds pretty awful from what you've described. Could your new symptoms also be caused by it?

    You said you've been referred for further tests, is that for cancer particularly, or just more in depth investigation?

    Things are a little difficult my end as my dad passed away on Friday. We knew the end was coming but there's still so much to sort out. It's a bit of a whirlwind at the moment.

    Take care and do look after yourself as much as you can x

  • Offline in reply to GlitterB

    Hi Susie,

    It's lovely to hear from you.  But oh my gosh I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now and you still took the time to reply to me. You're an angel. But you need to look after yourself at this time that's so important. If there's anything at all I can do please let me know. Sending vibes your way. 

    Lupus isn't nice. It is possible that it's caused by it but I think my doctor wants to rule out other things. I've got these lumps and this weird patch thing in my mouth which they will take a biopsy of which sounds horrible and scary. But it'll be fine just the waiting is horrible. 

    Again I'm so sorry for your loss. 

    Please look after yourself and take care. 

    X

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.