Hi,
I had anaplastic large cell lymphoma when I was 4 until I was 6. I relapsed 3 times and had all the treatment really. Stem cell, chemotherapy, full body radiation and a bone marrow transplant. I managed to beat the cancer but it left a few after effects that I struggle with.
I have growth hormone deficiency which has affected my height, weight, puberty and bone density and other bits too. And I have primary ovarian dysfunction so can’t have kids. I also have pretty bad anxiety which I think stemmed from the treatment and after effects.
I am a very small 25 year old woman now but I look very young to some people and have found it really hard to socialise with new people because usually they assume I am a child and always point it out in a really abrupt way which has affected my confidence so much.
It has also meant I really struggle with dating and relationships because I think that I am always afraid people don’t know my age and think I look really young before they even get to know me.
I want to tell people sometimes so they understand me but I am always scared to bring the mood down with the C word….
not really sure what I am trying to ask but has anyone experienced something similar with late effects and appearance and relationships and have any advice how to navigate it? I also really want to reach out to people who have experienced childhood cancer and learn about their experience too.
