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Just got dignosed with Leukemia

Hey guys i’m Austin i’m 16 years old and i just found out have Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia 2 days ago. I just had my first round of chemotherapy they decided to jump right into it due to the severity and when they found the cancer and i got a port in. I’m really scared and just need some more info and people to talk to. i;m scared to loose my hair and to look different but most importantly i’m scared to die :(

August 5, 2012 by  
Filed under Newly Diagnosed

19 Comments

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  • Leah Shearer

    Hi Austin,

    Scary time right? I remember when they told me I would lose my hair with chemotherapy…and I just couldn’t imagine how I would look or feel…and I was in my 20s.
    There are a lot of teens here who know how you feel too.

    I think the toughest thing to imagine is how to deal with feeling different.
    Remember that attitude can be your best tool. I’ve known some teens who chose to shave their hair into a mohawk before they lose their hair…but that could be just one way.

    It’s not really about how ‘they’ did it though. It’s about your approach. Remember to think of this as a hurdle that you have to jump through. Always focus on the difficult things in your path as markers on the way to healing.

    Thinking of you as you face these obstacles. You can do it.
    Be inspired by many others who have walked your path as well.

    Anyone have any other ideas for Austin?

    Leah Shearer
    TLC Program Coordinator
    Rochester NY

  • Maddy

    Hey Austin! My name is Maddy and I am also 16. I have never had cancer but I volunteer at a childrens hospital so I have learned quite a bit about how pwoplw go through it. My mom also had cancer. Anyway, I know you’re scared and it may be hard to talk to your friends about things other than cancer or even cancer itself. So that is where I come in! I am here for you to talk to about anything. If you ever are just hanging out and need someone to chat with, just send me an email! I am here for you and whether or not you communicate with me, I will be thinking of you. Here is my email: Graphicbirdie@gmail.com

    Also, I know loosing your hair sounds scary, but it is not the end of the world, plus wigs and scarfs can be pretty fun.

    -Maddy

  • Anonymous

    Don’t listen to these wimps. They will sugar coat anything just to make it taste good. Here is the deal.

    ALL Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, it is easily the most treatable. You will not die from the Leukemia. You have a better chance of dying from a car accident or some allergic reaction from chemo (which I happened to me).

    How do I know this? Well I had it twice. Once at age 10 and at age 15. It relapsed for me. About 15-20% of people will not kill it completely (like me) and have to come back. Relapsed Leukemia is the 4th most common childhood cancer.

    Treatment for relapse is MUCH MUCH harder. You are a first timer. It is relatively easy as all treatments are outpatient. I had to spend a crap load of time in the hospital.

    The only pain with a first timer is your maintenance (treatment after intensive chemo) is 3 years for boys. Boys get an extra year compared to girls because of our balls.

    You don’t have to lose your hair. During my first time my hair lasted the whole way, I shaved it in the end of treatment to get a fresh head of hair. Only wimps lose their hair. The thicker your hair the better chance it will stay.

    I know your scared but you need to grow a pair and just take it up the you know what. ALL Leukemia is a pain of a cancer because of how long and how much chemo you get, but it is easy in terms of survival and success rates.

    I had it twice and there is a 35-40% chance I might get it a third time. But I don’t think about it because you’ll go crazy.

    As with the port, I hated saline and heparin.

    Dying is not the concern, it’s the pain of throwing up and what not. By the way, 50% of your throw ups will probably end up being more psychological than physical.

  • Anonymous

    Oh lastly, because you have blood cancer you now have BEAST BLOOD. It’s is called beast blood because your blood will kill you if not tamed.

    By the way, God did not give you cancer, nor did anything but YOURSELF. There is no known cause for it but most likely it was a mutated cell that turned into cancer. So only blame yourself for getting cancer, but that’s pointless in accomplishing anything. Take up Deism if you want answers in a religious sense.

  • natmarmar

    Hi Austin! I’m really sorry you got leukemuia, but I believe you really shouldn’t blame yourself at all or anyone else, including God. I’m hoping and praying you’ll get comfort in all of this and that God will be with you.

  • Emily

    I’m turning 17 this October, & for close to a year, my life has become hell.
    These are my sympoms.
    Random bruises (5-30 at a time)
    Extreme fatigue/no energy
    Loss of appetite
    Trouble concentrating
    Dizziness/nausea
    Severe bone/join pain
    Petichae(sp?)
    … Etc.
    I feel so awful every day that
    I’ve had to drop out of school.
    I don’t even have the energy to play guitar anymore.
    I got a CT scan yesterday, but my doctor never told me why?
    I’m scared I could have Leukemia, maybe ALL.
    What do you guys think?
    Sorry i posted this on a comment, i couldnt figure out
    How to create a new post.

  • Valerie

    Austin my name is Valerie my sons name is Austin he is 15 and he has ALL he has been getting chemotherapy since 8-11-10. He only has 3 more treatments so he should be done around the holidays. As a mom it is extremely hard but as I have seen my son fight this battle and I have stood by his side. I am going to tell you there are some really hard times ahead of you. You need to stay positive take all your medication and as soon as your blood counts are ready get your next chemotherapy. Before you know it this journey of yours will be done and you will be able to be there to support some one that is in your shoes today. Say your prayers and be positive it will get you through this. You are in our prayers

  • Ramie b

    hey austin. i’m ramie and i’m 14 f. i’ve never had cancer before but my sister had it a year and ahalf ago. she still goes in for check ups about it. i’m sorry you have it. Really sorry but i know being sorry won’t help it. depending on what kind of cancer you have these tips my sister used and i hope they might help (i hope they help you.)
    i dont know if u have had nasea before cause each cancer comes with different sytemps i think but my sister used different smells. you know smelling salts. choose your favorites. it eased the nasea and gave her something to think about.
    and with loosing your hair i know its scary but get it shaved if you haven’t already done it and if you want get weird wings. dye your peach fuzz on your head different colors.
    and most importantly do not give up. please. just because you have cancer does not mean your going to automaticly die. have you heard of make a wish? if not goodle them and have your parents contact them. my sister did it and got a trip to NYC and the wish foundation paid for it. i think itll be a good treat for you when you get through this rough part in life. i no your problem isn’t any of my buisness but i don’t care. even though i don’t know you i care about you and wish it was me taking your blow but its not. yyou can contact me at rosaliedoe@yahoo.com if you wish and i hope you do. i’d love to talk and try to be a support. i’m going through my own problems and another tip is don’t worry about others. focus on yourself and i know you can get throguh this. true i don’t know what its like but i care if that helps any? alot of people do. i’m probabl saying the usual people would say. one day i want to help people. EVERYONE but i’m too young right now. hope you’re being brave. and take care. contact me if you want! i just need a friend too. heres a poem i wrote for you. (cause i’m a writer)
    Be brave and strong, i know you can
    even if your body gives in.
    you can fight it i know you can
    Be brave and fight it with what you have.
    Hope i know you can and will,
    you stand tall and fight this cancer with groove
    imagine beating it to death or it simply going away,
    cause one day it will and you will celebrate.

  • Alyssa

    Hi Austin, my name is Alyssa and I am 50 years old. I am very sorry for your ALL, really sorry. But this type of cancer is curable. Do not worry about your hair. It will come back, it is just a temporary thing. If you want to talk anytime about whatever you wish, I am here for you: akrem07@gmail.com.
    Brussels

  • dalats salvation

    if you need to cure a cancer or leukemia in 45 days of treatment, then ask us – happyuindalat@yahoo.com

  • http://www.facebook.com/scott.svare Scott Svare

    Hey bud, my names Scott. I’m 16 years old as well and am praying for you! You’re not alone dude, I am currently in the process on a documentary about my friend who has cancer. I know, this may seem weird but if you ever need a guy to talk about anything, cancer, life, girls, sports.. ect. I am here for you! I would love to help you out in any way I can bro.

    God has his strongest soliders fight the toughest battles. He did not give this to you, he did not do this to you. But he knows that if there’s anyone strong enough, brave enough, to fight Leukemia – it’s you.

    If you ever need anything, or want to talk you can add me on facebook and message me. I feel that’s a little more comfortable than emailing. My name is Scott Svare. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong bro! https://www.facebook.com/scott.svare

  • kmboyle

    Hey Austin my names Katie and I am also 16 and had cancer last year. I had a different kind, synovial cell, but I was so scared when I first found out what I had. I know its easier said than done but just try to stay positive (: if you need anyone to talk to when your bored or have any questions email me ! Kmboyle06@Comcast.net hope you are doing well and you are in my thoughts and prayers… keep fighting !

  • http://www.facebook.com/Livia.Ellen Livia Ellen

    hey austin , dont be afraid, there r so many teens who diagnosed by cancer, im 14, and im healthy, but my friends have got cancer, you need to be strong :)

    dont be afraid with the death, just believe that you’re gonna be ok

  • Sam

    Hey Austin,
    My name is Samantha and I was also recently diagnosed with Leukemia. A different kind than you (AML), but don’t be scared of the dying part. You have a very treatable kind of cancer and you have to remain positive. I know you can beat this anyway :) As for the hair part, be bald with pride :) It shows that you are a fighter.

    If you want someone to talk to, email me at openearsandheart@rocketmail.com

  • tianna

    hey Austin. My name is Tianna I am 16 also. I was diagnosed in august and i have a port in. I just had my 4th session in chemotherapy. Its been hard for me but if you need someone to talk to you can email me at tianna.leifeste@yahoo.com if you would like to talk more

  • Kendra

    Hey Austin. My name is Kendra and I’m almost 15. I have the same cancer as you and was diagnosed in may of 2010. When I first got diagnosed I was scared like you are. Especially with loosing my hair and having a port. I have learned that you just have to stay positive and I look at it as how I can help someone when i am done with treatment. So just stay positive and keep fighting.

  • White Angel

    Wow hi Austin my name Samantha an i have (ALL) an ive been doing this sence i was 3 im 14 now an this is my third time doing this and i know that its scary sometims but you have too be strong an have faith that the doctors are gana do everything they ok an you need too remeber that you have to make the best of every day an stay strong ok dont ever give up!

  • Giggles

    I am here if you need a shoulder. My best friend is Austin so this really hits deep. Give me your email and we could become friends.

  • Giggles

    Hi. Would love to be supportive and give you a shoulder. My bff is Austin so this hits home. Keep fighting

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