What is happening to me?
You may ask: ‘Why is this happening to me? Will I be ok? Why do I have to go through this? What happens if I don’t get better?’
It is normal for any person who gets sick to ask these questions. If you don’t understand it or know what to expect, it may cause stress and affect your emotional and psychological well-being. Feeling scared, angry, or sad is also normal. You don’t have to be brave all the time. Remember, you are not alone. Lots of kids go through this, and you have people who care for you and who want to help your body get better and stronger. Even though it might feel hard, the treatment is helping your body to heal and there is a whole medical team who will be there for you all the time.
Helpful approaches on how to deal with this new situation:
You can and may ask any question, even about scary things. The medical team is more than happy to help you to understand what is happening to you.
You may experience lots of different emotions like being happy, sad, scared, or confused. You will feel much better if you talk to someone and tell them about it.
You can choose ways that make you feel safe like holding your favourite toy, listening to music, or sitting with someone you trust during treatment.
If you have spiritual questions, ask your parent/caregiver to give you the opportunity to connect with a religious or spiritual leader to explore your spiritual beliefs.
Don’t be afraid to ask the medical team or a traditional or cultural leader to help you understand your cultural background when trying to find answers on why you are being diagnosed with cancer.
If you feel like having a read, check these children's stories based on the experiences of Charlie and Ava, who received the diagnose of cancer. Perhaps you would find it interesting and maybe even helpful to understand what is happening to you right now.
Story: Ava Has a Tumour
Story: Charlie Has Leukaemia
All credits for the stories ‘Charlie Has Leukaemia' and ‘Ava Has a Tumour’ go to Young Lives vs Cancer, Scotland.
Related Articles
I don’t understand my illness
Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. When you have cancer, one of these cells in your body is growing faster than what they should. Normal cells grow, work and when our bodies don’t need them anymore, they die in a controlled way. A cancer cell doesn’t follow that rule and your body needs help to get rid of it.
Cancer is not contagious; you didn’t do anything to cause it.
Below are some interesting materials that you can check to better understand cancer.
I have many questions. Who can I talk to?
When you ask your doctor or parent to help you understand what is happening to you, it shows a lot of courage.
Why do I have to stay in the hospital?
The hospital is a place where doctors and nurses help you to get better. However, it is normal for anyone to feel scared, anxious, confused, angry or frustrated about having to stay in the hospital.