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This column was posted on 7/13/2003. Check back next week to see another "Tuff Talk!" question and answer. It could be yours!

I'm Sick and I'm Scared

I was just diagnosed with Leukemia, a type of cancer. I am going to have to undergo a lot of chemotherepy and treatments to get better. I am really scared. Is there anything I can do to take myself not feel so scared?
Help! - Katie, 12, Kentucky

"Hey, Katie!" Katie, Hey babe! I'm really sorry about your diagnosis. I know that having a serious disease can be very scary. I suggest you live your life to the fullest. Don't miss out on opportunities because you think you can't, or because your scared. Collect pictures from friends and family and put together a scrapbook. Then, you can bring it with you to the hospital and look at it for encouragement when your feeling afraid. Your friends and family are always there for you, no matter what, to help you through it. Don't be scared to call up a friend just to talk. You can talk about what's going on in your life, past memories you have, etc. Maybe you can make a CD of "strength songs" (if you can't download songs and burn cd's I'm sure a friend can) that you can listen to that will help you feel good. Some songs you might want to put on there are Christina Aguilera's Fighter, Lea Ann Womack's I Hope You Dance, Shania Twain's Man I Feel Like A Woman, etc, etc. Don't lose faith in yourself. You can fight this disease, and you can win the battle! I hope this helps, and if you ever feel like talking, my pen--pal number is 228603.

Danielle, 15, Missouri