CatLady1
07-07-20, 18:30
Hi everyone. It's been a while since I dipped into this forum, because I've managed to keep the worst of my HA under control for the last few months, despite The 'Rona and being pregnant.
Not looking for any 'symptom reassurance' or anything like that. A close friend of mine is currently undergoing tests for a swollen inguinal lymph node, and I'm simultaneously trying to be there for her, and not trigger my own anxiety again. And of course, whatever anxiety I'm feeling cannot be shared with her, because this is my problem to deal with - she has enough going on.
She's had an ultrasound and is being referred for a biopsy and CT scan - it's good that her GP has taken her seriously, but at the same time it suggests that the underlying cause could be serious in itself, e.g. lymphoma. I've told her that I'm here for her at any time, whether she wants to talk through any worries, or just distract herself with chit-chat - but I don't want to impose on her and continually check up on her. We can't see each other in person, of course, in the present circumstances. To be frank, she seems to be dealing with this in a far calmer way than I could ever manage, but I know she's very distracted.
I'm worried about her as a friend, but I can also feel my own levels of health anxiety creeping back up as I think about what's going on. Over the last couple of years, I've known three women my own age (early/mid 30s) be diagnosed with breast cancer, one of whom is also a close friend; while my friend who is now undergoing tests has also seen two of her cousins diagnosed with cancer (one with BC and one with lymphoma). So for something that's supposed to be rare in people our age, it feels unusually prevalent right now, and I can feel myself beginning to struggle again, with putting things in perspective.
Any thoughts, either on how best to support someone, or on managing your own HA when other people are affected, would be very welcome.
Not looking for any 'symptom reassurance' or anything like that. A close friend of mine is currently undergoing tests for a swollen inguinal lymph node, and I'm simultaneously trying to be there for her, and not trigger my own anxiety again. And of course, whatever anxiety I'm feeling cannot be shared with her, because this is my problem to deal with - she has enough going on.
She's had an ultrasound and is being referred for a biopsy and CT scan - it's good that her GP has taken her seriously, but at the same time it suggests that the underlying cause could be serious in itself, e.g. lymphoma. I've told her that I'm here for her at any time, whether she wants to talk through any worries, or just distract herself with chit-chat - but I don't want to impose on her and continually check up on her. We can't see each other in person, of course, in the present circumstances. To be frank, she seems to be dealing with this in a far calmer way than I could ever manage, but I know she's very distracted.
I'm worried about her as a friend, but I can also feel my own levels of health anxiety creeping back up as I think about what's going on. Over the last couple of years, I've known three women my own age (early/mid 30s) be diagnosed with breast cancer, one of whom is also a close friend; while my friend who is now undergoing tests has also seen two of her cousins diagnosed with cancer (one with BC and one with lymphoma). So for something that's supposed to be rare in people our age, it feels unusually prevalent right now, and I can feel myself beginning to struggle again, with putting things in perspective.
Any thoughts, either on how best to support someone, or on managing your own HA when other people are affected, would be very welcome.