A Childhood Cancer Survivor Shares Her Story
A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the child, parents and the entire family. This childhood cancer survivor recounts her symptoms and her experience with cancer. What really stands out is how she leaned on her family throughout her journey.
Photo source: cancer.ca
A childhood cancer survivor shares her story
Source: cancer.ca
It was August 2009 and then 13-year-old Sabrina from Oshawa, Ontario was enjoying her summer break from school just like any other teenager. However, for several months she had been plagued with ongoing leg pains, tiredness and was not feeling her overall best.
After a night of unbearable abdominal pain and a trip to the hospital emergency room, an ultrasound found a tumor on her right ovary. The tumor was an extremely rare germ cell tumor and it had ruptured and spread throughout her body.
“I was in total shock when I heard the diagnosis of cancer,” shared Sabrina. “Cancer to me was an adult’s disease. Being a 13-year-old teenager, it certainly wasn’t even on my radar.”
Every year, almost 950 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer in Canada. For these children and their families, it can be challenging to cope with the diagnosis and the demands that come with all of the necessary tests and treatments.
“I lost my hair, had no appetite and refused to get out of bed,” shared Sabrina. “I missed the normal teenage life I once had, going to school and having fun with my friends.”
There is no right or wrong way to react to the changes that come with cancer and treatment. Like Sabrina, many children in similar circumstances find it difficult at times to cope, but through the support of their family, loved ones and healthcare team, they can continue to learn, grow and find joy throughout their experience.
“I became brave as time went on and I had my family to support me through this journey.”
After going through surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy, today Sabrina is cancer-free. She shares her story with others faced with similar experiences to help raise awareness – even participating in the Canadian Cancer Society Relay For Life in her community.
Sabrina’s personal journey is a promising example of the progress being made against childhood cancer. If she were to write her journey and publish her work, it would in fact change the lives of those with similar conditions. If she gets connected with a publisher, and people like those children’s book designers for hire, she might be able to take such an undertaking. God willing, let this be accomplished! While the 5-year survival rate is about 83%, there is still more work to be done because childhood cancer is the number one cause of disease-related death in Canadian children. Additionally, 2 out of 3 survivors live with long-term side effects from their treatment.
Childhood Cancer Resources
There’s nothing that can quite describe how a parent feels after their child is diagnosed with cancer. It’s an overwhelming time in a parents life to say the least. One of our childhood cancer resources is a list of 21 questions to ask your child’s oncologist during your next visit. We want to help empower you to make decisions.