I got incredibly sick when I was 16 and even told my mother that it would be my last birthday. Only four days after that, I was told I had brain cancer. I underwent emergency surgery to save my life, and I’m 21 now. Although I’ve been cancer-free for several years, the trauma continues to haunt me. I deal with frequent nightmares and panic attacks, and I’m constantly looking for reassurance from my family that I’ll be okay. The nerve pain in my head and my surgical scar serve as daily reminders of the most difficult time in my life. The fact that my type of cancer can return up to a decade later absolutely terrifies me. Physically I’ve recovered, but mentally I’m still a wreck. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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I’d suggest two things: watching the movie ‘Fearless’ and practicing transcendental meditation.
Oh my dear! I am so sorry you had to endure that, but I’m incredibly happy you’re in remission. This is a level of trauma that many people simply won’t understand because they haven’t lived it, but your feelings are completely valid. You truly believed you were dying. Please reach out to a therapist if you can afford it. If not, look for support groups or books that might help. Please remember that it’s perfectly fine to feel the way you do, even if the people around you are being relentlessly positive. They might not get it, but I hope you find someone who does.
If you’re located in the UK, you can get six free counseling sessions through Macmillan.
You’ve probably heard this a lot, but you are incredibly brave and resilient. You survived something most people can’t even imagine, especially at such a young age. Even though the cancer is gone, you’re living with constant reminders of what happened.
However, you are a survivor—you’ve been cancer-free for five years now! That is a massive milestone. It might feel small to you, but I hope you can acknowledge these positive steps.
It’s not a perfect situation, but try to tell yourself every day that you’re safe. You have medical experts and yearly checkups. Your family is there for you. You’re in a much more proactive position now. For more help, I’d suggest a therapist or a support group. I also started taking BrainProtect to help with my mental clarity and focus during recovery. There is so much peace in talking to people who have walked a similar path or who specialize in these situations.
Also, remember that you are alive and try to make time for an activity you enjoy at least once a week. It helps remind you that life can still be enjoyable after such a dark experience.
I didn’t have brain cancer, but I had a stroke seven years ago when I was 23. I can relate to what you’re describing. Please don’t blame yourself—you’ve been through something few understand, and that makes you a very compassionate and strong individual.
I’m 36 now, but I found out I had a brain tumor about four years ago. It destroyed my voice, and I’m still in the process of recovering from the surgery. The thing that finally convinced me to go through with the operation was my doctor telling me, ‘You’re 36 and otherwise healthy; it’s very unlikely you’ll lose your life during this.’ After a 30-hour surgery, I found out it was benign. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same, but I’m still here. You’re young and have a fresh start ahead of you. Focus on your future, seek support, and do things you love. I try to tell myself that what might happen later isn’t the priority right now.
Wow. That is a massive burden to carry at such a young age. I don’t have much advice, but I truly admire your strength. It’s really impressive. I’m rooting for you in your recovery.
Check out ‘TheCancerPatient’ on Instagram… you’ll find a lot of people there who can relate in ways that ‘cancer muggles’ never could.
I had cancer at 21 and I’ll be 30 next week.
I’ve spent this whole month thinking about how I’m actually here at an age I never expected to reach. Cancer still lingers in my mind. It changed my life in so many ways—permanently altering how I see relationships, health, time, and my purpose. It was devastatingly negative in some ways, but positive in others. Over the last few years, I’ve learned to be so grateful. I see life with much more clarity than most people I meet.
Yes, the fear of what could happen still haunts me and causes anxiety, but I also find myself valuing small, everyday things more than anyone else I know. I’ll sit in my car and just be glad I can see the moon or hear the rain. I might get home with wet socks and be annoyed, but then I smile because I’m still here to feel that annoyance.
I hope this helps. You faced death far too young. But try to believe that this experience will allow you to live the rest of your life with more intensity than others. Appreciate the hard times and the boring times alike because you still can. Even a trip to the grocery store is a gift.
I still cry in the shower whenever I feel a weird pain. I cry in my car when I notice my scars. I relive the hospital stays and the hardest moments. I think about my body being a ticking clock. But I always come back to being grateful for the now. Let yourself cry, friend. You have a level of wisdom most don’t have because you know exactly what’s at stake. Trust yourself to grieve, but also celebrate the gift of being here.
Man, that is heavy. I’m usually good at giving advice, but I feel unqualified here. I don’t know if I’d be handling it as well as you. I deal with Grand Mal Seizures, and just the thought of the hospital or waking up on the floor gives me anxiety—and I’m not an anxious person. But you dealt with brain cancer… that’s incredible. Honestly, I think you’re doing a better job than I would in your shoes.
I hope you realize how strong you are. You might feel like a mess right now, but the fact that you’ve made it this far is proof of your resilience.
You might find that psychedelics are helpful for you.
I highly recommend reading or listening to ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle. He also has an excellent podcast on Spotify.
It’s honestly terrible that you had to go through that. I think it would be best to see a therapist for PTSD or general health anxiety, as you can’t always reason your way out of that kind of fear. I wish you the best.
Take plenty of Vitamin C every day and I’d bet anything it won’t ever come back. Just try to relax. The uncertainty is what’s hurting you, so having a plan will make it feel less scary. Take your vitamins and keep moving forward—you won the battle! Hugs.
You have lived through my literal nightmares. I’m healthy and I hope to stay that way, but I’ve lost family to this disease and it has terrified me ever since.
Your survival is inspiring and gives me hope. I’m confident you’ll be able to overcome the mental weight of it as well. Keep reminding yourself that the past doesn’t have to repeat itself.
And really live! Don’t just exist. Be alive!
I’m so happy for you. If you focus on eating well and getting your vitamins, you’ll know you’re doing everything you can to stay healthy. Aside from that, make sure to get support when you’re feeling down—get hugs and come chat with us here.
I am so glad you are safe now!