for the past five months i have been experiencing very strange symptoms that at this point i am 99% convinced is a deadly brain tumor. i am too terrified to get an MRI because i do not want to know yet... this is such a horrible way to live and i would like some advice and guidance. it may be important to note that I have severe anxiety which became 10x worse after a very traumatic event. I started to experience a strange symptom where i felt slightly disconnected from reality, like i was always high even when i was 100% sober. this initial symptom immediately made me think i had a brain tumor and i went to my GP. she did neuro exams, blood tests and checked my eyes for swelling and everything came back normal. i refused an MRI. she said this is likely a symptom of GAD. for awhile i stopped worrying, and in the mean time started seeing a chiropractor for an unrelated neck issue. my atlas and axis were severely out of alignment. i started getting adjusted and after the first adjustment i felt a weird sensation of tightness or pressure in my inner cheek that would rarely go away, but sometimes would extend to my whole face on one side. i continued going and it seemed like these face symptoms would sometimes fluctuate or get better based on treatment. over time, i felt like my left leg on the same side was weak but it actually isn't, it has been strength tested the same as the right. now, 5 months later i feel the same way about my left arm. i am still seeing a chiropractor and some say maybe it is because of this treatment that maybe nerve damage of some sort has occurred but I can't believe it. now my left eye has this same strange sensation that originated in my cheek. i feel ike i always need to blink it and the eye feels puffy. this is 100% not numbness, but something i cannot really explain. sometimes also get a hot burning sensation on my left calf. no headaches, but i know that means nothing considering thats often not a symptom of brain cancer. recently i have been getting extreme panic attacks, the only time i don't think about this is when i am drunk or sleeping. i am trying to enjoy my life as a college student but this is so detrimental... I'm afraid to get a scan because i know i will probably die soon and id rather live in somewhat ignorance. i have frequent panic attacks now that I'm unsure are related or just my severe anxiety. if anyone has had these symptoms or thinks there may be another cause besides cancer, please help me.

please someone give input

Hello,

I am sorry you are dealing with such terrible anxiety in general and over your health. Are you seeing a therapist for help with that? Traumatic events can take over one's thoughts and mood but there is hope. A technique called EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprogramming) is very helpful for trauma. I worked with someone certified in this after a nerve injury and multiple operations. It made a big difference for me. She also used hypnosis which I found helpful. Whatever modality works for you, having someone dedicated to your emotional wellbeing is a real benefit.

On your physical health...if your doctor is willing to order the MRI scan and thinks it indicated by all means please go ahead. You do not know that you are going to die. There maybe something else going on. Even if you did have a brain tumor, there are different kinds. Some of them are benign but may cause symptoms through pressure. I have an acquaintance who had just such a thing and sailed through surgery 7 years ago with no recurrence. There are also treatment options out there now such as gamma knife that do not debilitate patients. You will not know what you're facing or know your options unless you get fully checked out. Until then, the Mom in me says getting drunk is not the best idea...

Take care of yourself and be brave, go forward. You are stronger than you know.

I agree, get the MRI, most likely all is normal and it will settle that concern for you.
It does sound like anxiety is driving your life, please seek expert treatment for that.