Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/259111
spring 2014 | cancer fighters thrive 47 cf thrive. com doctors and hospitals do not know how to deal with the increasing number of AYA survivors. And 72,000 more AYA patients will be diagnosed this year. That is why I cannot leave cancer in the past, even though I am cured. As an AYA survivor, it is critical that I arm myself—and those around me—with as much information as possible, especially from the experiences of other AYA survi- vors. Through organizations like Stupid Cancer and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, as well as online support groups, I am constantly learning what I had not been told before walking out those hos- pital doors. I have a long life ahead of me—it is time to get busy living, in as healthful and informed a way as I can. Amanda Marsh has written about various topics for Bisnow, BuzzFeed, CureToday.com, the New York Times, Ragan.com and the Transportation Research Board. She is deputy editor for Bisnow Media, a publishing and events company covering various North American business sectors. Her personal blog can be found at amandamarsh.me. YOUNG ADULTS FOR YOUNG ADULTS, CANCER DOES NOT END WITH A CURE. Dealing with the long-term side efects of treatment By Amanda Marsh "It's getting more difficult to fund-raise," I recently lamented to my mother after telling her about all the competing cancer charity walks in October. She took my hand. "Don't you think it's time to move forward and leave your cancer in the past?" she asked. "What do you mean by leaving it in the past?" I replied, taken aback. "You know, it's been eight years, and your oncologist just told you you're cured," she said. "You just got married, bought a house…" She hinted that other family members were also concerned that I have focused too long on my can- cer experience, although I had been in remission since 2005. "But it doesn't end, even if the doctor says I'm cured," I said, to Mom's sur- prise. I then realized that I had not ade- quately explained to her what lies ahead for adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors—experiences older survivors may not necessarily face. I ticked off the list: infertility, car- diotoxicity, secondary malignancies, cognitive decline and other late-onset, chronic health conditions—not to men- tion career limitations, financial con- cerns and psychosocial challenges. Some of these may not necessarily debut in my twenties or thirties but farther down the line, during those upcoming decades that chemotherapy gave back to me. During my last semester at college, I developed recurring bouts of strep throat and a persistent, hacking cough. A few months later, I was diagnosed with stage IIA primary mediastinal diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. There was a large tumor in my thymus (which was pressing against my wind- pipe, causing the cough) and various tumors throughout my chest. I underwent six cycles of R-EPOCH chemotherapy, which allowed me to skip radiation. It was not as widely used in 2005 but showed promising results. After two cycles, I had gone into remis- sion and have been clear ever since. Among the long-term side effects of the drugs are infertility, permanent nerve damage, irregular heartbeat and the risk of secondary cancers, such as leukemia. Luckily, I have not experienced too many long-term side effects besides the dreaded "chemo brain." There is a chance I still may be able to have chil- dren. But when treatment ended, I was sent back into the world not knowing what I would face; many of these long- term side effects were not adequately explained to me. I am not alone—many cftSp#23vky.indd 47 2/3/14 11:18 PM