overcoming health anxiety- any suggestions

[distressed29]

I don't want to go to the doctor again.  I know what he will do .  He will just biopsy the lesion to make money and put me through extreme stress for one week awaiting the results or he will laugh at me saying it is a nothing. I just want to cancel the appt.  Below is my situation I posted a few days ago.  What do you think?  The lesion is almost completely healed.  I just want to stop this going to the dr. everytime I want reassurance.  

I have had a horrible week.  Crying everyday with extreme anxiety.  I am exhausted and feel I can't take care of my 2 toddlers like I should be.   I cannot get over the fear that I have skin cancer.   Every bump or spot on my body I think is skin cancer.  A month ago I felt a bump on the back of my leg and of course when I looked at it it was dark.  My first reaction was to pick it off because I didn't want to look at it anymore.  For 1 month, I picked and squeezed at the lesion not giving whatever it was a chance to heal.  I just had a full body check 4 months ago by my derm.  Finally, a couple weeks ago I called to make an appt. with the derm. Here I go again seeking reassurance from the doctor and paying more medical bills.  I finally stopped picking at the lesion and it is healing now.  I go to the derm on Friday and am extremely anxious.  I get so nervous and have panic attacks when I go to the Dr..  I just hope that he says its a nothing.  My cousin is getting married over Thanksgiving so I am looking forward to all the wedding events with my family next week.  I just hope that I don't get bad news about the lesion on my leg before the wedding.  See how I think....I'm always thinking of the worst possible case scenario.  I don't want to live like this anymore.  I am going to speak to my family doctor about therapy and medication.  I can't do this anymore.  I want to enjoy life but my mind is stopping me.  Any support would be greatly appreciated.  I have leaned on my family, friends, and husband for so long and it is totally taking a toll on our relationships especially with my husband.  PLEASE HELP!!!!!

[RubyWitch]

Your welcome Toots, but I only told you what you already knew!  :)
Now go get into your jim-jams, a hot cup of Sleepy Time Tea and a good book.......that is what Dr.Greenlydia recommends. (But you know I'm NOT a real doctor, right?) LOL
You write me anytime you need to, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia

[distressed29]

Thank you for your caring words of support!  I do feel good knowing that I am taking the right steps in overcoming this anxiety.   Now I feel I can rest well tonight.  Thanks again!

[RubyWitch]

You have such a classic case of health anxiety, it's textbook! So many of us here have it and cancer certainly tops that list! So, in THAT respect, you are not alone! And you are certainly not alone in your fear of going to the doctor! We ALL fear what they MAY tell us! You'll do just fine.
You have so totally answered your own question of what you should do..........discuss with your doctor about getting into some therapy and possibly a short course of anti-anxiety meds.
You are seeing your derm again on Friday. Speak frankly with him/her regarding your health fears as well. They may not be psychologist, but you won't be the first one who talks to them about this kind of phobia. They could very well help you more than you know.
I wish you well and hope that you feel nothing but the joy of your cousins Thanksgiving wedding!
You are being very pro-active in your own health care and I applaud you for that. It takes courage and strength and a desire to live a better life, which you will.
Let us know how you're doing, OK?
Peace
Greenlydia