I am a childhood cancer survivor I had ALL if anyone has questions

Sassy16
Sassy16 Member Posts: 2
edited April 2023 in Childhood Cancers #1

I am a 32 year old that has been cancer free since 1997. I was diagnosed when I was 4 years old and went through experimental chemotherapy treatments and spent a lot of time in the hospital. I lost my hair 5 times because of my chemo treatments. I wanted to write this post to help anyone that may have questions or just need to talk to someone who has been through the same thing. I went through a lot during my childhood. The thing that helped me out the most was the support of my family and friends. I have done a lot with the cancer society and there are so many organizations that are available to help with this difficult time. God bless everyone

Comments

  • ABowmer
    ABowmer Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Leukemia

    My 6 year old grandson was diagnozed with ALL 4 weeks ago , the week of his 6th birthday.   Its been a real shock to all our family.   He is at present going through Chemo and yesterday he needed a blood transfusion.  He is doing a 29 day regime and after that , they will decide whether he has to go on the list for a bone marrow transplant .  My grandson was a happy boy who had just started elementary school.  Now he does not talk to anyone except his parents and always look very sad.   We are not sure how much he is understanding of what is happening to him.  He has already had 3 lumber punctures .   Our lives have become a nightmare .   All the plans that my son had for my grandson have to be placed on hold for at least 3 years.    Can you let us know how much you understood when you did get cancer and how you coped.  Thank you

  • bluehat
    bluehat Member Posts: 4
    #3
    ABowmer said:

    Leukemia

    My 6 year old grandson was diagnozed with ALL 4 weeks ago , the week of his 6th birthday.   Its been a real shock to all our family.   He is at present going through Chemo and yesterday he needed a blood transfusion.  He is doing a 29 day regime and after that , they will decide whether he has to go on the list for a bone marrow transplant .  My grandson was a happy boy who had just started elementary school.  Now he does not talk to anyone except his parents and always look very sad.   We are not sure how much he is understanding of what is happening to him.  He has already had 3 lumber punctures .   Our lives have become a nightmare .   All the plans that my son had for my grandson have to be placed on hold for at least 3 years.    Can you let us know how much you understood when you did get cancer and how you coped.  Thank you

    been there

    I'm 24 now, but I got ALL at age 3, went into remission quickly but treatments went on until about 8. I don't know as much as a I should about my specific treatment plan.

    I remember pretty much everything from it. I knew I was sick, I knew it was serious. I think my parent's termed it as "cowboys and indians fighting in my body," but it still all made sense. Not a pleasant time to be honest. 

    All I can say, is it hardens you at a very young age, and that's both good and bad. I think I'm still dealing with the bad aspects of that despite being in remission for 18+ years. But there is light at the end of the tunnel in terms of long term plans.

    I turned out ok. I grew up, went to west point, and am a commisioned army officer now for a few years. What I mean is it's a long road ahead, but life will get back to normal, your grandson will eventually be ok. 

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