Awaiting appointment-no idea what to expect

I final got up the courage to call the Dr today about a white stripe down the back of my throat. Even though I have health anxiety I have only managed to quit smoking since finding this white patch. I've waited weeks to call the doctor in the hope it would just go away. Because of covid I couldn't see anyone, just had to send photos and talk on the phone. I am going to the hospital in 12 days, I guess to be examined and the Dr did say something about a biopsy. I can't shake the feeling of guilt that I have done this to myself. Then I think of my daughter and I collapse. She turns 9 on Saturday, I have family coming, and I have to appear normal. When I think of her, of her losing me I feel so terrified I can't breathe. I don't know how to get through the days until my appointment. 

  • Hello, Well don for finding the courage to contact the Doctor AND quitting smoking. i quit 7 years ago and i know its hard.

     i have lung cancer. Diagnosed last july. Ive had chemo and radiotherapy. 

    Its normal to feel anxious and imagine the worst when a doctor says thew word "biopsy", but it doesnt  automaticaly mean  its cancer. Try to get through it a day at a time and try not to look to far ahead. I found talking ot my friends helped. they stopped my mind racing ahead.  I stil get anxious waiting to see the consultant for results of scans. I imagine all sorts. But my friends help me cope.

    Good luck with your apointment

    David

  • I would definately open up to family. Your daughter is young, so not sharing your worries with her, but seriously talking things through with family, or friends, will help you manage the anxiety. 

    We all go to the worst scenario.....don't Google it either, it only heightens the anxiety. You've done the right thing in contacting the GP, but just take each day as it comes, and lean on family and friends at this time.

    You are in the worst stage.....the not knowing. Once you know what you are dealing with, it becomes easier. 

    I've triple negative breast cancer, Stage 3, as also in my lymph nodes. Diagnosed November 2020, aged 48. Just had six months of chemo, now waiting for surgery. When there is a plan of treatment there is always hope.

    However, you may not have cancer....could be lots of other explanations, so don't think too far ahead. 

    Best of luck. X

  • Hello,

    Thank you so much for your reply. You are so positive, and so right not to look too far ahead and jump to conclusions etc. I find it so hard though. I am a natural worrier. Waiting is torture isn't it. My other half is amazing, and we've agreed not to tell anyone until I've seen the dr the hospital. It seems a life time away though.

    Once we've put our worries in the hands of the professionals we should sit back and let them do what they are good at, right?!

    Thank you again, and take care.

    G

  • Hello. Thank you so much for your message. It's incredible how many brave strong people are out there. Makes me feel rather ashamed of myself to be honest.

    I have always been a worrier. Optimism doesn't come naturally. I wish it did!! Ha ha! 

    I hope you are doing well. 

  • Hello,

    Im doing fine thank you. Im visiting family in  the north of scotland this weekend. Havnt seen them since last september; what ilness, lockdown and shielding. We have all there xmas presents ready to take up.

    ive always been a worrier to.If i had nothing to worry about; im sure id be worried. Its meant to be a nice weekend. Maybe nice weather will take your mind of things for a bit.

    You shouldnt feel ashamed at all. You dont reralise how strong you can be till you have to be. Your doing fine at being  brave so far.

    David

  • That sounds lovely! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

     

    We have my daughters 9th birthday party today just with a few family. I'm nervous. First time since lockdown and worried I won't be able to act normal enough.

    I'm inventing new symptoms now. Everything left side is aching. I feel like swallowing is more difficult. But only since the dr didn't say oh it's fine so worrying!! Or brains can be very cruel to us can't they...

    I hope the weather holds for you. Have a lovely worry free weekend!! 

  • Hello,

    Hope your wekend and your daughters birthday party went well. Hopefuly it took your mind off things for a bit. Had a lovely time up north of scotland. Weather was very warm. I manageds to drive there no problem. Im quite chuffed at that.  I havnt driven much distance wise as my concentration hasnt been to good. 

    Yes our brains can be very cruel. Ive been there with the inventing symptons.  its hard not to when your waiting.

    David