Childhood Cancer Survivors
Chapter 2. Emotions
It has done me good to be somewhat parched by the heat and drenched by the rain of life.
— Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
IMPROVEMENT IN TREATMENT for childhood cancer is a huge success story in modern medicine. It is now known, however, that survivors and their families often face many physical and psychological challenges after cure. You may be dealing with late effects from treatment, as well as struggling to find a new “normal” in your life. You will probably experience a range of strong emotions as you adjust to your after-cancer life; these can include fear of recurrence, anxiety, guilt, and grief, as well as gratitude and joy. Some survivors experience these reactions even if they remember very little—or even nothing—about their cancer experience. Knowing that other survivors and members of their families share these emotions can help you feel less alone.
Table of Contents
All Guides- 1. Survivorship
- 2. Emotions
- 3. Relationships
- 4. Navigating the System
- 5. Staying Healthy
- 6. Diseases
- 7. Fatigue
- 8. Brain and Nerves
- 9. Hormone-Producing Glands
- 10. Eyes and Ears
- 11. Head and Neck
- 12. Heart and Blood Vessels
- 13. Lungs
- 14. Kidneys, Bladder, and Genitals
- 15. Liver, Stomach, and Intestines
- 16. Immune System
- 17. Muscles and Bones
- 18. Skin, Breasts, and Hair
- 19. Second Cancers
- 20. Homage
- Appendix A. Survivor Sketches
- Appendix B. Resources
- Appendix C. References
- Appendix D. About the Authors
- Appendix E. Childhood Cancer Guides (TM)