i got a little glimpse into the world of cancer patients.

Just a glimpse, mind you. I won't pretend to know what it is truly like.

I am a hypochondriac so I've had a few little glimpses over the years, this was probably the biggest, particularly since my anxiety is high right now.

I noticed a lump last week and last night, with some coughing and general soreness, I worried that I had a tumour on my hands.

Then I took some valium to knock myself out and went to bed until the morning so I could see my doctor first thing.

Then the receptionist asks if someone else can go ahead of me for some reason. I just nodded. Was too stressed to argue, and I don't bother most of the time anyway.

Then I was examined and apparently it's just an infection. I hope this is true. Also, my doctor was convinced the lump I have is just part of my sternum

I am relieved for now, and just wanted to share my story.

Thank you.

[Sabrina]

Sounds like the experience truly scared you. I am glad it is nothing more than a treatable infection and hope you are on the road to recovery soon.

[gnat]

I, myself, have dealt with a couple forms of imaginary cancer. Imaginary cancer really sucks. Not as much a real cancer, but it's still no walk in the park.

One was imaginary throat/stomach cancer that caused me to vomit all the time. Turned out to be anxiety and acied reflux.

The other was abnormal finding on a mammogram. That one still haunts me from time to time because in the end, even after an ultrasound and MRI, they said not to worry about it, but said they were unable to get a clear picture of what was going on because my breast is too dense. They give you the free bill of health and as much as I want to snatch it up and rejoice, instead I find myself thinking, "Really, are you sure?" There's a bit of relief in that they think everything is OK, but an added nervousness of, "Now no one is looking for it anymore.'

I hope your imaginary cancer is resolved soon.

I've had imaginary cancer so many times in my life that I've lost count. The one time I ended up in the hospital and didn't think about cancer at all, it was. Irony at it's most brilliant.

Still though, every time I discover a lump or spot, I go into "prepare myself for the worst" mode.

[Wren_]

cancer can be so scary; and anything that looks like it might be is often worrying until we know more
glad you were able to get seen so quickly and get an early result to rule out cancer

I'd never have guessed you were a hypochondriac. I think it's good to keep perspective with a sense of humor. Take care of that infection.

[Yoda]

Hope you are feeling better soon

[Big Mama]

Imaginary cancer sucks to ya know. I get that way to often. I am glad you are ok.

[choocha]

How does your GP feel about you going in there with imaginary illnesses? Has he ever told you off for being a drama queen or for wasting his time? Has he ever referred you for treatment for your hypochondria? Does he treat you sympathetically? just curious......

[Big Mama]

choocha, mine just goes away. when I'm not dead in a few days, I figure it was not cancer or what ever other mystery illness.

Originally Posted by choocha

How does your GP feel about you going in there with imaginary illnesses? Has he ever told you off for being a drama queen or for wasting his time? Has he ever referred you for treatment for your hypochondria? Does he treat you sympathetically? just curious......

He treats me the same every time, he examines me and takes me seriously. Sometimes I tell him I feel I am wasting his time but he says I am always welcome if I have concerns, and he also tells me not to stress.