Hi,
I am 35 and earlier this year I was diagnosed with CC. Initially stage 1B1. Downgraded to 1A1 following CT and MRI.
I had 2 LLETZ procedures and an operation to remove pelvic lymph nodes. Following surgery I was told they had successfully removed all the cancers with the LLETZ. I was told I would need no further treatment and will be seen in 6 months.
fast forward to post 6 months. I have had a review which included internal examination and ultrasound and sent on my way again. However I keep getting pain in Lower back, swollen groin (where lymph nodes where) and now I’m in a constant state of paranoia and anxiety thinking they have got it all wrong and in fact some of the cells were left and spreading. I literally can’t get this thought out my head. I have spoken with my macmillan nurse and they just give me reassurance but I am convienced they are wrong. My whole treatment from diagnosis to discharge seemed so quick. Which I know is proactive and a good thing but I also can’t help feeling something was missed.
Does anyone have similar hearth anxiety and overthinking like me and if so what helped?
I want to keep speaking with the hospital team but they know I suffer from anxiety and I feel they don’t take me seriously.
Is there any particular symptoms I should look out for if something has been missed.
thank you for reading. 
Hi Tori88 and welcome to our group.
I’m sorry to read you are still anxious following your treatment-have you asked for any specific help from your doctor with your health anxiety?
I can understand it must have seemed like a bit of a whirlwind for you with things happening so quickly, but a stage 1a1 cancer is very tiny so much less likely to spread than cancer at a higher stage on diagnosis.
Did you tell the nurse/doctor at your appointment about your pains and swelling? Are you waiting for the ultrasound results? Sometimes (but not always) you can have symptoms which you would need to look out for and get checked-unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, pain after sex are some of the things which would warrant further investigation.
However, I would suggest seeing your gp if you haven’t done so already, to get some help with your health anxiety. You’ve had the shock of a cancer diagnosis, but been reassured that all is well and the cancer has been removed so if you can get help with your anxiety that might help you move on from this.
Sarah xx
I think the psychological effects of a cancer diagnosis can be just as difficult to deal with as the physical effects from treatment.
It can be very difficult to live in a state of high anxiety all the time, focusing on every twinge, but you may find it helpful to have some counselling to help you come to terms with everything?
I’ve had that myself, and can really recommend it. I didn’t have specific health anxiety, but I have suffered from general anxiety and was put on medication just around the time of my original diagnosis, which I found really helped take the edge off. More recently I had some other health issues(not cancer) and was referred again for counselling. This has been really good for me and I see a big difference in how I’m able to deal with things now. You might find that helpful for you too.
Sarah xx
The first time I had counselling, I spoke to my CNS, and she referred me to the counselling service provided by BUPA/ Macmillan. I then got a phone call to start with my phone sessions(I got 6 of these).
I had a stroke in March this year, which was a very scary time for me, and I was referred to a counsellor by the stroke team in the NHS. I was then contacted by my counsellor, and I’ve been having sessions with her since around April/May.
I’d suggest ringing the Macmillan support line-the number is in my signature-and asking them about a referral for you for the BUPA service.
Sarah xx
