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This column was posted on
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It could be yours! |
 
My Family Is Driving Me Nuts with Worrying About Me!
I recently
found out I have a type of cancer called leukemia. I'm going to have
to have chemotherapy soon, and I'm going to be a lot worse before I
get better again. But right now I feel fine, and I'm having trouble
convincing my family that I'm not made of glass! They keep asking me
how I am, and we can't have a single conversation without one of them
bringing up my illness. My brother is even doing it, always watching
me and never letting me go anywhere without him tagging along. What
can I do - they're making me crazy!!! - Jennifer, 13, Washington
"Hey,
Jennifer!"
When you feel well,
you may feel like you don't need or want the help of your
close friends and family. That's when you feel that you need "some
space". When you are feeling sick, frightened, or in pain, the
closeness of those same family and friends can help you get through
some pretty tough times.
Your family is feeling protective - anticipating and worried about just
how sick you will be with this medical diagnosis and the treatment for
it. They are not mindreaders! Please sit down with them and let them
know how you feel. Work out some method of letting them know when you
need space and when you need comfort/support.
You may want to work out a point system: "Mom, today I'm feeling
like a 10, so I'd like some space," or, "Brother, last night
was a '2' so I could really use a backrub/ song/ etc...."
You may want to draw a little picture, like a piechart drawing with
all your different moods and feelings on them and an arrow that points
to your current state. You can post this on your bedroom door, or by
your bed. This gives them an understanding of your status without a
big unpleasant conversation.
Your doctor can also probably refer your family to some support group
or website for patients with leukemia. You might try the National
Organization of Rare Disorders. They have lots of medical and support
information on various diseases.
Best of luck!
Stephanie
17, USA
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