one of my best friends got diagnosed with leukemia today
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Posted Oct 27, 2022, 5:04 AM UTC
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Iām a 24F and I was diagnosed Christmas Eve of 2021 with ALL leukemia. I was beyond scared with my diagnosis. I went through one round of chemo (didnāt lose my hair), and one month of immunotherapy and was considered cancer free. Because my leukemia was considered high-risk I had to have a bone marrow transplant (gave me a whole new donor immune system to keep the cancer away). If your friendās leukemia is not high risk, they will go through the 2 or 3 years of straight chemo. Iām 7 months post transplant and I feel normal and my hair is growing fast. Iāve had more normal days than not and Iām very grateful.
I know it all seems scary right now, but there are many people who have been in both your friendās shoes, and yours as well. Thereās a community for you both. You and your friend should check out the r/leukemia subreddit, everyone has experience with Leukemia there. Also I suggest not googling leukemia and cancer, listen to your friendās doctors who know about your friendās specific cancer. Wish you and your friend the best! ā„ļø Message me for any specific questions.
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Thank you so much this was very kind of you to write š„²
I'm not sure what type he has but knowing that he could be getting back to his normal self makes me feel a lot better
I also didnt know you could still keep your hair so thank you for informing me
Thank you as well for mentioning the leukemia community ill be sure to check it out š
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Hello! I was 25 when I was diagnosed with ALL leukemia last year. What helped me the most being able to connect with others who could relate to my journey.
Iām a year into my fight, and this is scary! Going into clinic is scary and thatās ok. Your friend is in for a hard fight. Be as encouraging as you can, and be a listening ear. Laughter is truly the best medicine, and respect it if he doesnāt want to talk about his cancer. You are going to have a lot of questions to answers that he doesnāt have yet. Be patient, be encouraging, and allow him the space to be tired.
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Thank you very much š
I spoke to him today and he's just done his first round of chemo and he was very tired,
very far off from his usual self. I gave him some words of encouragement and then time to rest but hopefully ill see him in person soon
Im also planning on getting a "sexy anime body pillow" to keep him company š
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Hi I don't have leukemia anymore but I did when I was very young. I have a bone cancer called ewings sarcoma now though.
First of all I wanna say that you're really thoughtful and caring to ask about this and to learn more, that shows a lot about your friendship I think.
When I was diagnosed with ewings sarcoma, I was 10. A lot of my friends disappeared, and I still don't have very many friends now, so just being there for him and with him will be great and he will appreciate it a lot, trust me. I appreciate everyone who has stuck beside me through everything so much.
Aside from that, I don't think there isn't a whole lot more you can do at this moment besides just being supportive, patient, and encouraging.
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Thank you very much it means a lot š Best of luck on your own treatment though, you've beaten leukemia I'm sure you can beat Ewings too
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Honestly being there is a huge step.
Most of my friends flew the coop after my diagnosis and I have like 2 left.
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond š I can assure you my other friends and I wont ever back out š
Still though, Its good you have people around you I'm sure the future has good things for you