Adolescents and young adults (AYA) who are currently being treated for cancer, or who have completed cancer treatment, have emotional and social needs that are different than their younger counterparts. They're facing a frightening diagnosis and treatment during what is already a time of great physical, social and emotional change. CHOP's Cancer Center provides special services and resources to address the unique emotional needs of AYAs being treated for cancer. In honor of AYA Cancer Awareness Month, we would like you to meet a few of our AYAs who share some insight into their cancer journey.
Ellie, 18, diagnosed with medulloblastoma
Ellie was diagnosed in February 2019. She finished treatment in September 2019 and comes to the Cancer Center at CHOP for scans and follow-up visits.
Q. Who/What is helping you get through your cancer treatment?
A. My faith! Also the awesome child life specialists and music therapists - the "quality of life" team. Family and community support, like my friends who got into the hospital (pre-COVID, of course!) to see me for my birthday! Also, positivity and being positive myself.
Q. What is the most challenging thing you face as you're going through treatment?
A. NEEDLES! And being given a new family - the nurses are great, but I missed my real family and friends. Not being able to go home and see all those supportive people, basically feeling stuck all the time.
Q. What advice do you have for younger cancer patients?
A. Brace yourself and don't give up. A chaplain told me, "Life is a journey, and you have to take it one step at a time." That became my motto!
Q. What is one aspect about being treated at a children's hospital as a teen?
A. It is cute seeing the babies, but it can be tough seeing them sick. Also, teen rooms and teen groups help because sometimes you can feel too old with the kid stuff around.
Kevin, 17, diagnosed with osteosarcoma
Kevin is currently undergoing treatment for relapsed osteosarcoma. He was initially diagnosed in June 2020.
Q. Who/What is helping you get through your cancer treatment?
A. Close family, relatives. At first, I wanted to keep this private from friends. My mom is the MOST helpful throughout all of this, but also my friend-turned-girlfriend has become a pillar of support!
Q. What is the most challenging thing you face as you're going through treatment?
A. I mostly say the social aspect, school and trying to maintain a regular life. Like I wanted to go to the gym when quarantine started, then with the diagnosis, I couldn't do that. And school - luckily it was virtual, which helped, but it's a lot to maintain. Just the aspect of not being able to do all these things you want to do with your friends.
Q. What advice do you have for younger cancer patients?
A. Keep a steady mindset! For time to pass, take advantage of the people you meet and those who work at the hospital. Try and keep normalcy because you can put yourself in a deep trench or a dark place unless you try and maintain a positive mindset.
Q. What is one aspect about being treated at a children's hospital as a teen?
A. Meeting certain employees who you get to know (child life, triage, my nurses, doctors). There are so many personalities in healthcare! Kids need all that energy, and sometimes it even helps watching the little kids interacting with the team here. Also, if you're interested in the field (I'm in allied health), take advantage and learn!
