The Cancer Survivors Network (CSN) is a peer support community for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and friends! CSN is a safe place to connect with others who share your interests and experiences.
Thank you for being a part of the Cancer Survivor Network community. Survivors and caregivers like you have played a unique role in fostering an online environment that encourages connection among those needing support, community, and education. On May 28, the Network will be discontinued. More details are available here . If you have any questions, contact CSNSupportTeam@cancer.org. Thanks again for the support you’ve provided each other over the years. We remain committed to supporting you in other ways throughout your cancer journey.
8 year A.L.L. Survivor and still suffer from it every day...
slc20_10
CSN Member Posts: 4
In 2004, at the age of 12, I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2005 and am thrilled to say it was successful and I have been cancer free ever since. The problem is, I still can't get away from it. When I was diagnosed, I was 5'7" and 110 lbs. During treatment, I gained 60 lbs and entered puberty. This left me with strstchmarks literally all over my body. Now, 8 years later, I am the same height (the chemo stunted growth) and weigh 113 lbs. However, I now have drooping breasts and extra skin EVERYWHERE! It always looks like my jeans are 2 sizes to small in my waist because of the "muffin top", but in reality, its just skin. I work out and eat well, but nothing helps. I am so uncomfortable with myself. In addition, i have had both hips replaced due to AVN and have recently been diagnosed with the same disease in my knee. I have very crooked teeth that i cannot afford to have straightened. Simply smiling is uncomfortable.I am so sick of not feeling "normal". I dont want to forget what i went through, it made me a better person. But I also dont want to see it every time i get dressed or look in a mirror. I feel like i left my body when i was diagnosed and have never found my way back. I want out of this strangers body! I know these issues seem petty compared to what i went through and what many of you or your loved ones are currently facing (God bless). I just am looking for support i guess and to know if anyone else feels the same or similar. I just want to feel like "me" again. Its been 8 years; I think its about time.
Discussion Boards
- All Discussion Boards
- 7 Cancer Survivors Network Information
- 6 Welcome to CSN
- 1 CSN Update
- 122.7K Cancer specific
- 2.8K Anal Cancer
- 457 Bladder Cancer
- 311 Bone Cancers
- 1.7K Brain Cancer
- 28.6K Breast Cancer
- 410 Childhood Cancers
- 28K Colorectal Cancer
- 4.6K Esophageal Cancer
- 1.2K Gynecological Cancers (other than ovarian and uterine)
- 13.1K Head and Neck Cancer
- 6.4K Kidney Cancer
- 682 Leukemia
- 805 Liver Cancer
- 4.2K Lung Cancer
- 5.1K Lymphoma (Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin)
- 243 Multiple Myeloma
- 7.2K Ovarian Cancer
- 71 Pancreatic Cancer
- 494 Peritoneal Cancer
- 5.7K Prostate Cancer
- 1.2K Rare and Other Cancers
- 545 Sarcoma
- 745 Skin Cancer
- 663 Stomach Cancer
- 194 Testicular Cancer
- 1.5K Thyroid Cancer
- 5.9K Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
- 6.5K Lifestyle Discussion Boards