I went to my GP end of Feb as I have had persistently itchy skin for about 6 months. I have suffered eczema before however this is like an insatiable, unrelenting itch which I cannot ever seem to soothe. I have swapped out soaps, laundry powder, or anything that could have been responsible but nothing has worked. Antihistamines have also brought me no relief. Alongside this, I noticed a lymph node in my clavicle area was enlarged but on the softer side. I also have had sweats a bit too, but never anything drenching. Either way, GP said she would run some bloods - all of which came back fine, except for my blood film. My blood film showed reactive lymphocytes as well as abnormally shaped RBC and some abnormalities. My doctor called me and said she was going to refer me on the 2WW Haematology pathway and I have an appointment in just under 2 weeks time.

I am hopelessly terrified. I work in a hospital pathology lab and unfortunately with that, know far too much. I’m scared I have cancer and have been Googling (yes I know Dr Google is bad) and just feel distraught.  I have also been having pain at the bottom of my ribs to the point where it’s tender to the touch for the last few days and fear that if I do have cancer, that it’s already spread. I don’t know what I want to achieve from this post, but I guess just any pearls of wisdom or advice from anyone who has been in this position on how to cope the next few weeks would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks