Spiraling about sister's health

TW: ⚠️ discussion of cancer Last night my older sister received a call from her doctor about her biopsy. She has thyroid cancer. She's only 23. I'm so scared and overwhelmed. Her doctor said that she has to go in for a surgery consultation. People say thyroid cancer is typically very treatable. But I'm just absolutely spiraling of all the worst possible possibilities and worst case scenarios. One of my biggest OCD fears is my loved ones or myself getting cancer, and it's hard because it's not an unrealistic fear, many people in my extended family have gotten various forms of cancer but this is the first time it's been my immediate family and it's really scary. I know logically that nothing I did or didn't do could possibly have caused or prevented this happening. But my brain keeps telling me that it's all my fault and that all my worst fears are going to come true. I know this is magical thinking. But it just won't stop. I wanna be strong and supportive for my sister in this time. And I will be, even if I'm spiraling on the inside. I'm just scared I guess

ily3m

Date posted: 19h

i get magical thinking ones about my family and their well-being too and i can’t even imagine how hard it would be to learn that one of your family members has cancer. i hope her surgery goes well and i’m glad she has you to support her!! you’re doing all the right things in challenging your OCD thoughts because truly there is no way her diagnosis had anything to do with you and i want to reinforce that. it’s not your fault and it’s totally normal to spiral into the worst case scenarios because you are worried about her health. i think the most you can do right now is remind yourself over and over that these thoughts are your OCD talking and your OCD is always saying all sorts of crazy untrue stuff to stress you out. cancer can happen to literally anyone and like you said, this is not an unrealistic fear, it’s just something that happens to people, sometimes totally randomly. it’s good that you realize you need to be strong and supportive for your sister but also remember that your feelings are valid and worth addressing too. again, it isn’t your fault and i’m sending all my good luck and vibes over to you and your family 🫶

RabbitHearted

Date posted: 16h

Thank you that means a lot to me I really appreciate it 🫶 I think I really needed to hear that. Thank you for the kind words and well-wishes 💖

takingbackco...

Date posted: 10h

I am in the same boat. I also have a fear of getting cancer. I too, have had family members pass from this disease. I recently found out that my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer and I am struggling with how to support my husband and MIL when this is such a trigger for me. When I find out someone in my orbit has cancer it sends me into a spiral. Give yourself grace and lots of self compassion. Be honest about what you can give while keeping in mind this a trigger for you and hard for you to process outside the lens of OCD. ❤️

RabbitHearted

Date posted: 10h

I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law, I hope you are able to be present for your family while also taking care of yourself 🫶

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