I like the term scanxiety even if we are not having an actual scan. It's that feeling we know oh so well every time we have a significant test. You are not a hypochondriac in my book. It's a rational fear for anyone who has had cancer.

Maybe I could add the term torchaphobia to describe that fearful moment when the ENT doctor shines the torch in your mouth.You can almost hear the cogs in their brain working:)


1996, ovarian cancer surgery + cisplatin and taxol.
September, 2007, SCC of left lateral tongue. Excision.
October, 2009 recurrence in scar tissue, T1NOMO. Free flap surgery from left wrist - neck dissection. 63 year old New Zealander. No chemo, no RT.
February, 2014. New primary in left buccal mucosa. Marginal mandibulectomy, neck dissection, right arm free forearm flap. T1N0M0 but third occurrence and some areas of concern: RT started 8 April and finished 19 May.