I just wanted to tell you that I unfortunately am NOT new to this but your story has inspired me. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 19 in 2004 just before going into my sophomore year of college. I am now 26 and still asking myself many of the same questions that you are. I was supposed to enjoy my twenties…not wish them away.

I will say that recognizing the obstacles that you are facing will always be challeging and some may never go away. I am at the point where I am dealing with the “long-term” side-effects of treatment and it’s just as hard as sitting there hearing the diagnosis for the first time.

I always considered myself a very independant and mature person but even years later I still stuggle with the same fears and facing reality that you are. The only thing that keeps me going is knowing is that I proved everyone wrong and I finished school and continued to work during treatment…it was all I had.

Just remember, the people who are there to help and support you like your mom and your girlfriend…you need them, even though you feel you don’t, you do. and more importantly…they need you.

Good luck and God bless, remember…there will be good days and bad days forever but cancer does not have to be the excuse, let it be the driving force. As anyone who has had poison put into their bodies knows the fight never dies.

i was diagnosed at 15 with osteosarcoma, bone cancer… being the complete opposite then you!! I was not extremely popular, I lived with my mom, and went to public school… I also was not the guys fist choice in girlfriend. Hahaha. But.. I was extremely idependent for the most part. I did a lot on my own and even helped raise my brother. When I was diagnosed, pride didn’t matter. what mattered was staying alive so that i could get better and stronger and learn as much as I possibly could from this expierence. I was proud of myself everyday for every little thing i did. I did at first resist everybody’s help, but I soon learned that my number one priority was to return back to my healthy self.. especially after I had my left leg amputated…

Your pride? It’s self esteem. And..yeah, sometimes you’ll feel like crap… but you know what? you just keep reminding yourself you’re doing something that many people have never or never will do. And if you don’t find pride in that you won’t find pride in a lot of this..

The close friends you have only want their friend to get better. they still know and remember the cool, popular you. Just because you’re weak doesn’t mean your vulnerable.