I don't know how to ask for help (i have anxiety)

Hi :)) 

I've been in remission officially as of the end of April, and because it was a full molecular remission my blood check ups are every four months instead of three, meaning the next time i'll be seen will be in August, but i'm getting super worried about some things  

I noticed I had some new stretch marks on the side of my left elbow which is weird since I've been losing weight the healthy way (working out and eating much more healthier), and last week I noticed that my left arm was ever so slightly swollen compared to my right, and across the left side of my body I can feel lumps mostly across the rib cage and some on my right lower ribs, too. 

I've been checking all over for new lumps (which I know is super bad to do for anxiety reasons), and my left breast has been feeling not painful, but it's like there's a lingering tenderness to it, so I felt around and on the underneath on the rib there's a new lump which I think is causing it, but I don't want to get too worried as I did have lumps during my PET scan at the beginning of April and they shown up as nothing dangerous. Aswell already having lumps on my ribs, there's been a few more appearing and they just feel uncomfortable in general. 

Could I ask for a general check up sooner than August? I don't know if they can do that but I'm getting super anxious just in case by the time August rolls around it's worse than before. It could just be fat deposits like lipomas and it's pressing against a nerve, but with the swelling (it's not even that noticeable) i'm super concerned. 

I just don't know what to do or how to go about getting help, my mental health gets in the way of everything and I don't want to feel like a burden for asking for help :/ 

  • Hello imean_itiswhatitis, 

    Well done for being in remission since the end of April but I am sorry to hear you have suffered from these issues and that it is not helping your anxiety. I definitely think it would be worth asking for an earlier check up and definitely do get in touch with your doctor and explain that you have noticed these things. So do give your doctor or medical team a ring and explain what is causing you so much worry. You are definitely not a burden at all for asking for help - this needs to be looked at so do give them a call and explain your situation. You could also at the same time mention how anxious you feel and whether they have any suggestions to help you overcome these feelings of anxiety. 

    Let us know what they say if you get a chance. I hope it goes well for you and that they can advise you on this very soon.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator 

     

  • Hey,

    First of all, I love your username xD Let's not forget to mention the profile picture.

    Secondly, you can always ask, the worst they'll say is no I guess. I can definitely relate to the health anxiety. It's definitely a liability more than anything else. I wish I could give you some useful advice but I'm struggling with the same thing. 

    If you can't get checked up sooner, August isn't far off. You'll be alright regardless.

    Much love. Peace.

  • Hii, 

    Aha thank you, I created the profile when I was just accepting my diagnosis and tried to play it cool, did not work aha. 

    I posted this a month ago while I was having a bad episode, but many breakdowns later I've finally got in touch with my nurse and I'm having an appointment alot sooner than next month !! Hopefully it should be some time next week, they're going to let me know as soon as my results are in, she understood my anxiety as this was the longest I've gone without a check up since chemo finished, but my mine should be put to rest. 

    With coping with my anxiety I've found just watching alot of movies/TV shows helped plenty, just keeping my mind occupied and distracted haha. 

    Thank you again, :))

  • I mean that's a solid strategy, nothing beats good humour. Wishing you the best, give us some feedback when it's all done. Whether good or bad. 

  • Hi ! 

    Sorry it's taken me a short while to get back to this post haha, but I had my bloods on Monday just gone and i've done a whole update post separate to this one. My nurse let me know the next day that my results looked perfectly fine, so of course I was super relieved. I'd just checked them about 20 minutes ago online and my lymphocytes are very high, so I'm waiting on a reply from my nurse to let me know if that's okay if everything else is in the normal range :/// 

    I just hope it's okay cause I was about to book a date for a tattoo !:laugh: