Cancer referral for lump in knee that I've had for over a year - how do people cope with the anxiety and stress of getting this type of referral?

Coming here for some comfort and reassurance - I have had a lump in my right knee for over a year, I have never thought anything of it, im pretty active and do lots of long distance running so I had put it down to some irritation in my knee and im young in my early 30s. But the lump has never gone away, finally thought I better get this checked. Got referred for an ultrasound and they seemed very concerned and booked me in for an urgent MRI on the cancer pathway which obviously now has me completely spiralling with anxiety, currently waiting for the hospital to contact me -  feel really cross at myself for not going to my GP sooner, I dont know what i was thinking. Ive convinced myself its bad news and I cant think about anything else. Really trying to distract myself but im hyper focusing on symptoms now more than ever too, this wait feels agonising. How do people cope with this referral? It feels a lonely place to be as I dont want to offload too much onto friends and family and worry/burden them either.

Thank you.

Parents
  • Hi Jennnn,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's never easy dealing with this uncertainty and waiting for appointments - it's something many others here will be able to relate to.

    Try not to be hard on yourself for not seeing a GP sooner - it is understandable to have looked at other things, but it's good to hear you've now had it checked and hopefully it won't be long until you hear more.

    We have a post here about how to cope with waiting for news, which may be helpful in terms of some strategies for while you are waiting.

    I know it can be difficult to speak to those around you - we're here as a safe space to write things down and reach out to others whenever you'd like to.

    Do let us know how you get on.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

Reply
  • Hi Jennnn,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's never easy dealing with this uncertainty and waiting for appointments - it's something many others here will be able to relate to.

    Try not to be hard on yourself for not seeing a GP sooner - it is understandable to have looked at other things, but it's good to hear you've now had it checked and hopefully it won't be long until you hear more.

    We have a post here about how to cope with waiting for news, which may be helpful in terms of some strategies for while you are waiting.

    I know it can be difficult to speak to those around you - we're here as a safe space to write things down and reach out to others whenever you'd like to.

    Do let us know how you get on.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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