I was diagnosed with ALL in February 2021 and until recently I was in the maintenance stage of my treatment. I've been back in the hospital a little over a month now and my leukemia has come back in full swing.
It's been really, really tough for me because I was diagnosed not too far into starting college. I was only 17 when I was diagnosed and it felt so crushing and difficult to have all of my independence taken from me at the stage in my life where I was supposed to go out into the world.
Being a trans woman hasn't helped either, the physical changes made to my body because of all of this has just made my dysphoria so much worse. My body hair continuing to grow as normal (even when my head hair fell out) is especially tough because of the masculine stigma behind body hair. I also find it hard to get the motivation to shave in general so I'm misgendered more than I'd like. Not being able to even consider HRT is tough, too.
I hate the lack of autonomy I've felt lately. Needing so much help with going to the toilet is especially mentally draining. It really gets to me.
Hi HQ65 and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses.
The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are on the ‘exact’ same cancer journey.
The Community is divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend consider joining our supportive Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and our LGBTIQ+ support groups. These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Bold Group Link(s) I have created above and join the group. You can then introduce yourself by putting up your own post or replying to existing posts.
Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat we also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Do get back to me if you need further help.
