Been dealing with hypochondria for a few years. Started after having a skin exam a few years ago and having 2 moles removed. One came back as "pre-cancer" (which I know doesn't mean it would've ever turned and they shouldn't be allowed to say the "C-word" unless that's what it is) but it still freaked me out! So since then been so nervous about all of my moles and that I'll get Melanoma.

Now, my fear is breast cancer. And this one is WAY worse than the Melanoma fear. Started after turning 40 and going for my first mammogram. Long story short, got the dreaded call back right away, had to wait 2 weeks for the diagnostic mammogram and was then told I needed a biopsy cause they found something. Turned out to be a benign fibroadenoma but it caused my world to spin out of control. I was doing a little better and then back in September I thought I felt something in my left breast. Went to my OB who said everything felt normal but referred me to a specialist. She said nothing felt odd, but still had me do another mammogram. I freaked out so bad that day that I ended up in the ER since I thought I was having a heart attack. The mammogram ended up coming out clean but since then I'm OBSESSED with constantly checking. I was diagnosed as fibrocystic (by the breast specialist) so I do get lumps all the time which I'm always finding and they freak me out each time. Now feeling stuff in the other breast too that I didn't notice before! I've lost a lot of weight since September too since many times I'm so anxious I can't eat. Now apparently I'm anemic per my blood work. There's a shocker considering my change in diet. But of course, that adds to MORE fears. :-(

Been going to therapy but it's so slow going. Tried Klonopin but didn't feel well on it. All it did was make me tired, dizzy and depressed. Can't take the usual SSRIs since I take another medication for pituitary issues and they don't play nice.

Trying hard to just tell myself it's nothing but feel so "trapped". My husband is getting pretty fed up with this too, he's been supportive but just can't understand my fears. I'm constantly asking him to check if everything feels normal and he always says that it's the same as before and sometimes it's there sometimes not. The anxiety is moving into depression now since this just seems impossible to deal with and that it's never going to go away. I can't run to the doctor each time I feel something.

Does this get better?? Seems impossible! I know the anxiety isn't good for me or for my husband and young son. I try to hide it from my son, but don't want him to eventually catch on. Help! :-(