Psychosocial affects of teenage cancer

adkjm
adkjm Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Childhood Cancers #1
Hi all,

I am a survivor of hodgkin's disease. I was diagnosed and treated when I was 19, I am now 32. My life since HD has been very difficult. I have never been happy with what I am doing - I've always disliked my jobs and I've often been very depressed. Currently, I am losing my marriage. Is there anyone else out there who has experienced similar troubles in their post-cancer lives? I feel like I am not able to allow myself to settle in this life; it is as though my experience with cancer has left me always wondering and looking for more in life. I have a wonderful wife who loves (or perhaps now it is more correct to say loved) me, but I am unable to remain faithful to her. I have had two emotional affairs during my marriage and the latest one is probably going to end things for us.

I am desperately in need of someone who understands the life of a survivor to comment on all of this. Thank you for reading.

Comments

  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #2
    Hello,

    My name is Dana and I am one of the Online Community Specialists with the Cancer Survivors Network. You may want to contact the American Cancer Society's National Cancer Information Center to see if they may be able to provide resources in addition to the CSN that may be able to assist with the difficulties you are experiences. Cancer Information Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-227-2345.

    It is great that you are reaching out to our community for support. You may want to consider searching the Personal Web pages to seek out others who have a similar background and make personal contact.

    I wish you all the best,

    Dana
    CSN Dana
  • lettice
    lettice Member Posts: 1
    #3
    Hello,
    I was treated for APML leukemia when I was 13. I'm now 22 and I've only just realized that I have post traumatic stress disorder. I've started seeing a therapist and trying to work through it, but it's amazing how easily all my old emotional wounds have opened and its been very difficult. I haven't had a problem with having a cheating heart but I have noticed a tendency to just suddenly up and leave whatever I've been doing. I've gone through four different colleges in as many years and I've finally put in a second year someplace. This has sabotaged many many friendships I made along the way.
  • seimome
    seimome Member Posts: 5
    #4
    Hi there - I had Hodgkin's when I was 18. I'm now 25. During treatment, I bottled up many emotions, which later came out in the form of anxiety and depression. I would recommend talking to someone who specializes in this sort of thing - it helped me. Once I made a commitment to feeling better and finding a way to do it, I did. If you want to save your marriage and uncover the source of your problems, then you'll do it.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    #5
    I'm Darryll and I live in California. I was diagnosed with synovial cell sarcoma at 15 years old and now am 35. I had a lot of emotional and relation problems when I was growing up but now married. I have worked hard to beat my cancer and my other problems and am doing well. I became a Paramedic and now am a police officer. I recently found out my cousin died of stomach cancer. I hope you beat all of your problems. good luck!!

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