Day One

Author: laurahalbergg | July 16th, 2012
laurahalbergg's picture

Hey There, my name is Laura Halberg. I'm recently 16 and from Western Australia.
I've recently been told I have several cancerous ependymomas on my spinal chord and 8th cranial nerve.
It's the scariest thing i've ever dreamt of.
I seem to have just figured out what I want to do and aspire to be after school is over and this comes along.

I'm scared and a little confused and would love any company or anyone who wants to talk here or by email.

I'd love to chat!
x

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Alanahatz's picture

Re: Day One

Posted by Alanahatz - 16 Jul 2012 - 20:41

Hey there. I know Im in my 20's, 22 to be exact now and Im quite newly diagnosed myself, but I think it's alot harder to accept when your so young. I always expected if I got cancer it would be well after my 50's. I guess I would suggest for you to write down all your questions you think about during the comming days. Im not sure about your particular cancer but I just started on ABVD chemo after 2 lung surgeries to collapse my lung and take out some of my lymph nodes and it really wasnt as bad as what I had expected. I guess I would encourage you to ask all thoes questions you think are stupid and try to find some supports for people in your area, perhaps email the cancer council and ask them of support groups close to home etc... Good luck with your journey, just remember we have our age on our side, our young bodys cope better and bounce back quicker than if we were old and frail. Apart from the cancer, you have everything else going for you, including your health, no matter how bizzare that may sound. So if they tell you its an 80% chance survival for your stage and type of cancer just remember its probably higher because someone whos 65 who has multiple other health problems, maybe high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, osteoperosis, and is on medications, possibly diabetic... well basically that peoson also has an 80% chance for the same cancer and stage. If you start seeing things like that it may help you more than you think.
All the best - Alana

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