Worried About Cancer After Dad's Death

Hi FullOfWorries,

I'm so sorry to hear that you lost your dad.

I think it's completely understandable that you would have these fears after loosing your dad and having other people around you being diagnosed with cancer.

I lost my dad 3 weeks ago to stomach cancer, and I find myself having worrying thoughts about other loved ones developing cancer. After having lived through such a trauma, I think these worries aren't surprising.

But it does sound like it is causing you a lot of distress. I think it would be good to see your dr who could probably refer you for counselling, as it sounds like you have health anxiety. 

If you wanted to have tests done to ease your mind, it might be something you could look into having done privately? Although, having suffered with anxiety for years, including health anxiety, I would say that even if you did have the tests and they all came back clear, then it wouldn't be long before something else triggers the anxiety off again, which is why counselling is probably the best route.

Not sure if that has really helped, but I know how hard it is to deal with anxieties and worries, and how consuming it can be. x

Hi Link103,

Thank you for replying. I'm also sorry about your dad, it's a really rubbish situation.

What you said makes sense and I do also have general anxiety anyway so I wouldn't be surprised if that's evolved into health anxiety given what's been happening. I'll get in touch with my GP and see what they say as I've not got on well with counselling in the past so hopefully there's something else that might help. X

Hi FullOfWorries,

I'm really pleased that you will contact your GP. Counselling isnt for everyone, but sometimes it's just a matter of finding the right counsellor. The first one I had didn't help at all, but the second one was really good. That was in the NHS though so was only for limited sessions. 

I now pay for private sessions which I find really useful. 

Did you try CBT with your counsellor, as that is really good for health anxiety.

I'll send you a friend request on here in case you wanted to chat privately. I know from personal experience that talking to someone else who has anxiety can be really helpful as they get it, when other people might not quite understand.

Let me know how you get on with your GP. x

Hi,

Just wanted to update and say I've been to my GP now. I'm going on medication to hopefully help my anxiety and I'm going for a blood test to see if anything of note is happening with me physically. Fingers crossed there is nothing and it eases my anxiety.

Hope you're doing OK x