how are you feeling?

shocked or...

shocked

disbelieving

Cancer at any age is shocking, but when you are young with your whole life ahead of you, it can have even more of an impact. This can make you feel like it isn't you - it may feel like it is happening around you. Some people say 'It is like it is happening to someone else'. This can mean that you either don't want to talk about it at all or it is the only thing that you can talk about.

Sometimes you might even feel oddly ashamed for having cancer, even though it doesn’t make sense as you are not responsible for your illness.

what can help

  • For some, sharing how they feel with someone else (friend or family) is helpful. If you aren't able to do this, it might be helpful to speak to the nurses or other people looking after you.
  • Have a look in helping yourself for more ideas.

Last reviewed: 12/08/2007