I have Cancer.

hi. my name is emily. im writting this as im in shock to be honest. im 15 years of age and found out 12 weeks ago i have lung cancer. i have not told anyone apart from 3 people. i need support, but im scared to confront anyone. My family and friends are my biggest concern. Not me. Them. We have already lost 2 family members to Cancer and.. im next. I dont even want to imgaine the pain it will cause them. i want to go and hug my parents, my family,friends, siblings, etc and just let it out. Im too young to go. All my years of studying, looking at houses, looking at jobs etc was a waste as i dont have long left. im just basically counting down the days till i die, and thats a fact. i wake up everyday just hoping i can surive at least another 24 hours.Everytime i go to tell someone i just get too scared. i cry everyday, every night, every hour, every minute. ive never had the best relation ship with my family, especially my mum. She abused me, shouted at me, swore. And i think to tell her the news will break her, and make her feel as if she is a terrible mum, when in fact shes not, she had problems. I think it will make her feel as if she failed to raise me and now i have cancer, there isnt much time to try and mend our relationship. Please. Someone. Help me.

-Emily

 

 

  • Dear Emily,

    Let me offer you my heartfelt sympathy.

    You are so young to face this alone so please don't be scared to face those who may support you.
    They will decide what caring they are able to give so don't you imagine what they will think.


    I don't know what medical treatment you have been offered but whatever diagnosis you have had, I would think it would be better to seek support soon.


    You may not have received the response you expected from the three people you have already told. Seek out your family and friends and I'm sure the hugs you are so desperate for will be there somewhere.


    My kindest regards


    David

  • Welcome to the forum Emily although I'm really sorry to read of your diagnosis and to be greeting you under these circumstances.

    I can't begin to imagine how difficult this must be but I need you to know you are not alone. Our lovely members here on the forum know how devastating such news can be and will do all they can to help. There are also many teenagers just like yourself discussing their stories on the CLIC Sargent website that you can read through and connect with through their online community. Teenage Cancer Trust have a lot of information on coping with a cancer diagnosis as well as a support programme which provides opportunities for young people like yourself to meet those in a similar situation which may be worth looking in to as well.

    Most importantly, please don't be afraid of reaching out to your family and friends. It may seem scary telling them about this but once they know I'm sure they will rally round and do all they can to provide you with the love and support that you need at this time. I know you mentioned that you've had a difficult relationship with your mum and if you ever need to talk to someone about what you've been through and going through now do get in touch with Childine. It's completely confidential and there are many ways to get in touch with them so do keep in this mind if you just want someone to listen to how you're feeling.

    I know there isn't much more I can say or do to make this situation any better for you Emily, but we will always be here for you when you need us.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator