Cancer at your 20's, the worst self esteem killer.
By CzarinaM19
@CzarinaM19 (115)
Philippines
April 26, 2012 8:42am CST
Isn't it depressing when you get diagnosed with cancer when you're in your 20's? I was one of the few who got it and I've had patients my age going through radiation therapy in the same hospital. Which helped me realize I'm not the only person who got it at an early age. Going through this type of illness is very depressing, since the real adventure starts at your 20's when you start getting a real job and making real friends. It's very important to have people to talk to when going through this and to have family beside you. Of course, there'll always be the follow ups, lab tests and the life time hormonal replacement therapy. But in time you get over it and live your life the way you want to. Be thankful you had early detection. Do you know anyone who had cancer or any chronic illness at an early age? How did they handle it?
5 responses
@factorial (977)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
Oh! yes it is depressing if at 20's you have cancer... However keep on to your faith... don't lose hope.
I have even two cancers... I have learned to live this kind of life... I'm not bedridden and I still teach... and I am praying a lot.\
God bless CzarinaM19...
1 person likes this
@CzarinaM19 (115)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
I'm very sorry to hear that, I have an aunt that has 2 cancers, she is actually at the last state and she is dying. It kind of runs in the family, especially for women. I'm glad you're still able to function well and work. My aunt is too depressed to even go out of her own house. I pray for her everyday. I hope you continue to be functional and healthier everyday. As for cancer, only God knows what to do with it. You have my prayers. God Bless you always.
@gaiza12 (4884)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
Sorry to hear about your illness.
I had a classmate during my college years who had cancer, not really sure what that was but I know it was cancer. She stopped schooling because she has to rest and lessen the bacteria she is getting everyday from going to school and from going to the hospital for our duty, since we are studying nursing. She also has to attend her radiation therapy and she doesn't want her baldness to even lower her self esteem. She wasn't even 20 by the time she knew she has one 
. I am not one of her closest friends, but we were friends anyway, and one time we visited her during her therapy in the hospital, she was really sick and we almost didn't talk because her immune system is very low, the doctor didn't want us to give her additional illness so we just stayed outside. That alone made her happy because she knows she has friends who is praying for her recovery. After 7 years, she has already finished her study and now working in a gym. I can see that she has fully recovered and very much happy. Having friends who are supporting her even only through prayers really helps with persons who are also experiencing what you have experienced. We are all here for you and to pray for you. Your family also is good support system where you can always rely on.
. I am not one of her closest friends, but we were friends anyway, and one time we visited her during her therapy in the hospital, she was really sick and we almost didn't talk because her immune system is very low, the doctor didn't want us to give her additional illness so we just stayed outside. That alone made her happy because she knows she has friends who is praying for her recovery. After 7 years, she has already finished her study and now working in a gym. I can see that she has fully recovered and very much happy. Having friends who are supporting her even only through prayers really helps with persons who are also experiencing what you have experienced. We are all here for you and to pray for you. Your family also is good support system where you can always rely on. 
@clairemn (42)
•
26 Apr 12
Hi, I'm sorry to hear about your illness. Are you still going through treatment? I wish you all the best. My twin brother had cancer twice when we were in our late teens. He has now recovered, although he has to go for annual check ups. He handled it so well, better than the rest of the family I think! It came as quite a shock to the family as he was so young, but my brother was strong. I don't know if he was putting on a brave face for us or what but I know I wouldn't have been able to handle it as well as he did! He now has a good job and lives with his girlfriend. You are right that it is important to have your friends and family around to support you and help you through it so you can focus on getting better. Getting a 'real job' etc can wait, your recovery is the most important thing : )
@CzarinaM19 (115)
• Philippines
26 Apr 12
I'm actually doing pretty good thanks for asking. I have lab tests every 6 months and I'm on hormone replacement therapy which is no biggy. It just takes time to getting used to. Also I feel much healthier that I've ever been. I'm sorry to hear about your brother and I'm glad he handled it pretty well, he must have had pretty good support from loved ones. I guess we're still fortunate getting it at a young age since our bodies heal faster. It's better than getting it a a very old age when we're no longer capable of going through certain Medical procedures. I have actually fully recovered, although I would have to wait 5 years to say that I'm cancer free all the way. But, we still need to take care of our selves regardless of the medical history. Wishing good health for your brother all the way! =D
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
26 Apr 12
Though he wasn't in his twenties, my husband was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma last year at the age of 35 (the time in both of our lives where we felt like everything was really starting to come together).
In the last year he has been through six cycles of chemotherapy and then radiation therapy after that. It has really been difficult on him and also on my as his wife. There have been times that I've really not thought that we'll be able to make it through everything.
However, I rest easier knowing that the type of cancer that he had is one that is very curable.
@CzarinaM19 (115)
• Philippines
27 Apr 12
Hello, I'm sorry to hear about what happened to your husband, and I'm glad that he is now cured. It must have been very hard for you to as the partner to deal with it too. I knew I drove my partner mad when I had it, I was always so cranky and sad. But we got through it fine. Praying is one way of getting through it. I wish Good health for your husband, all the way and thank you for sharing.
@honest_efforts100 (1607)
• India
11 Oct 12
I am really about what happened to you but I am glad that you accept your situation wholly. Support from family and friends are really great but being with other people who are going through the same situation as you have is by far more pleasing since you won’t be feeling alone and that you know that someone else knows what you really feel.
