Congratulations Debbie! It's great that you got past most of your fear and worry! You will do it again. I think most people when they get sick get the fear I worry. I smoke also and recently went to the hospital and while I was there I insisted on a lung exray and even though it showed nothing, I still worry. I think that it's normal for people who suffer from anxiety to worry about their body symptoms.
You have come a long way and you should be so proud of yourself for not letting this disorder control your life. I had a relapse a few months back and was forced into taking medication, and I am scared to death of medication, but I couldn't keep living like I was. I was in fear all day, every day. Day 2 on the medication I felt better, my fear was coming from all these irrational thoughts that I was having.
Although you had a relapse, you are a strong person. I admire how well you have done and know that you will continue to do. I had bronchitus a couple years ago and it took about 3 months for the cough to completely go away. I understand your worry with lung cancer, that is a big worry for me, but, you had an ex-ray and it was normal, which is great.
I hope to hear from you again.
Stay strong and take care of yourself.
Becky
