Physical appearance and relationships after childhood cancer

2 replies
20 subscribers
343 views

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.

latchbrook 3 months ago

Hi Kingfisher17 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I’m Anne, one of the Community Champions here on the Online Community and, although I'm not a member of this group, I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list again.

"Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

Tommyt1234adca9 9 days ago

Hi kingfisher17. I can partially relate as I also had Anaplastic large cell lymphoma. I'd like to start with recognising how difficult your situation is and was. You must be a fighter to have been through so much at such a young age. So a massive well done is in order.

My situation is a little different as I was told I had cancer at age 38, also I'm male. It took until I was age 41 to get the official diagnosis of Anaplastic large cell positive lymphoma and I've only managed to speak to one other person who has had this type of lymphoma. So its a very rare thing and there's not that much information regarding it.

This contributed to the long diagnosis which included multiple biopsies and for my condition to deteriorate very quickly.

I completed chemotherapy and radiotherapy in which I've now been in remission for a little over 1 year.

I'm not sure if my ongoing symptoms are due to the treatments or the specific cancer. I have had a very low testosterone count, also ive suffered tendinitis and a degenerative disc disease with in my back. Ive also got an underactive thyroid in which i now take medication for.

It's completely changed my way of life and there's a constant worry about its return. I'm currently suffering with new pain and a compressing feeling, just above the site of the tumour and biopsy area. So the worry is always there and I've had to be very persistent in order to move my next check up forward.

It's sad to hear that you had several recurrence and I hope you are managing well.

I just wanted to say that you're not alone. As I've struggled to come to terms with this cancer, especially with so little information.

I wish you all the best and I'll update once I know more.

More from this forum

Physical appearance and relationships after childhood cancer