Hey Estrella,

I'm 22 and currently studying medicine. I've never had cancer but had an eating disorder when I was 9 and have had a few relapses since but have learnt how to control it. 

You shouldn't be worried about not being that bothered; different people cope in different ways and you're still waiting for the biopsy to confirm whether that's the diagnosis. 

Eating disorders are really hard and I also hid it from my parents for a long time but they found out in the end and their support was really helpful for me. At least you mentioned it here as it's helpful to speak to someone about it so I'm happy to chat more about it with you.

And don't worry about other people (I know it's much more easily said than done), the way they see you won't change. You're still the same person whether you have the condition or not and it's not that which will define you as a person.

Also, if corona makes us feel lost, let alone living your teenage years during this time and now being told about the possibility of cancer. Try to keep yourself distracted and not thinking too much these 2 days before your biopsy. Once again, I'm here to chat if you need :) 

Hey,

Amazing that you want to study medicine at uni, that's already one thing to look forward to. Online work and lessons do seem extremely stressful, but at this point you have to prioritise your health above everything and your school will have to understand. There are always alternatives even when we can't think of any.

In terms of hating your body that's definitely far from being easy and something which takes time to overcome but sometimes seeking help can make things easier (don't know if you've already tried or thought of trying).

And yes, unfortunately it is all very unfair. The condition, the treatment, everything to do with it. I'm not in your shoes so it's much easier for me to say but I find it helpful to think that all things happen for a reason (even though it sounds cliche), even the worst things at present, they will bring something positive in the future, be it a lifelong learning or whatever it is. One of the questions at my interview at medical school was "Have you been through any difficulties?"... you will definitely ace that one!