Dear Cancer
Each year we ask the AYA cancer community to submit letters to cancer to express their feelings about how cancer has changed their lives. People explore an array of emotions in these letters, including anger, sadness, gratitude, and hope.
Want to submit an article or write your own letter to cancer? Click Here.
Dear Cancer, You Left Shattered Pieces of Glass
When you finally left, I was lost. Of course, I never wanted you to come back, but I also didn’t know how to live without you anymore. How to pick up the shattered pieces of glass you left behind.
Read More...Dear Cancer, Boys Do Need to Cry
Now that I have given myself permission to cry it is easier than not crying. Giving myself permission became extremely important after my surgery and during my radiation treatment.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I Want to Feel Whole Again
When I had to get biopsies on my chest to determine if you were there, it was the hardest thing so far, and it broke my self-esteem and my ability to look at my body with confidence anymore. I have the scars on both of my breasts now, and every time I look at them I’m reminded of how you can hurt me.
Read More...Dear Cancer, You’ve Come Back
I cried to the universe. I yelled at the sky. I cursed the heavens. How could this be? Why was this happening? How would we make it through?
Read More...Dear Cancer, Your Fingerprints Are Everywhere
What an unforgiving companion you are.
So nonchalant,
so willing
to hollow out dreams.
Dear Cancer, I Failed at Cancer School
I went through 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 2 surgeries, and 28 rounds of radiation, and I failed at cancer school. The thought of having to repeat these courses, though, is now my greatest fear.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I am My Own Story
You see, I am finally giving myself the permission to be me in the most authentic way possible. Sure, you might have forced my hand at discovering these things about myself all at once rather than bit by bit as I age, but I’m sick and tired of you taking the credit for how my life has changed.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I Won’t Sit in Fear
Ever since you left, I can’t quite seem to find a rhythm. When I take two steps forward, you push me three steps back. I escaped our toxic affair, yet the ghost of who we were follows me everywhere.
Read More...Dear Cancer: A Son’s Point of View
I remember when Mama’s phone started ringing. She went to the kitchen and started crying. Dada ran down the stairs and was holding Mama’s hand. I’ve never seen her cry like this before. I felt so scared. I didn’t know what was happening, so I just kept playing with my toys.
Read More...Dear Cancer, I Choose to Heal
I know that you are going to create a whole lot of trouble. Anxiety, limited mobility, night sweats, allergic reactions, infections, dry mouth, hair loss… to name a few. So, I get it. People want to fight you. I’ve seen the “Kick Cancer’s A$$” t-shirts, mugs, and novelty socks. But, I am hesitant to put on my boxing gloves. For me, I am not sure I want my journey to be a violent confrontation.
Read More...