On 5/1/2008
wrachelle wrote:
My name is Rishelle. But everyone calles me Shell.
My parents know whats going on, they just don't want to be apart of it. My boyfriends family pays for everything. I'm in chemo right now, and I am okay. For 2 days in a row I've actually felt really good. I've become a lot closer with one of my friends. He treats me completely normal , but he knows when something is wrong. It's nice having him. there is also another girl at my school, and she has cervical cancer, so shes been a help. But its just a day to day thing ya know? I did join a support group, and I've been a lot more positive about beating this. I mean I am young, and strong and I know I can do it. Its just hard sometimes. I have my chosen few friends that I know I can count on to be there, because I HAVE had those days where I don't want to get out of bed, and they come see me after school and eat dinner with me. So I do have people. And I'm in the youth group at church. But only certain people know.
Thanks to everyone who responded though =] It means a lot.
Hey, Shell. It's nice to meet you. I've been worried about you since your last post; I've been watching for your next post. TrishPM gave some great online resources for you to check into and it sounds like you might actually have some great people around you. I am glad to know you belong to a church and their youth group; your pastor or youth leader can be a great source of support. I am pleased, as well, to learn you do have some close, trusted friends for sopport.
Being a caregiver for someone with cancer certainly doesn't put me in your shoes, so I can't voice an opinion on whether its's better for you to only have certain people know or if it's more important to have everyone know (you know, that old adage about strength in numbers....). Only you know what is best for you. I will say this: build your support network so that it works for you. The support group you joined will have other resources for you, as well. It actually sounds like you have the foundation for building a good support system, even if you don't completely know it yet. Sometimes we feel so overwhelmed, that we get lost and we miss or don't appreciate the things or people right in front of us.
I am so glad to hear you are in treatment. I wasn't sure after your first post. How long and what medication? Your boyfriend's family is helping you through? They must be some pretty amazing people. Sometimes our true families aren't the ones we are born into.......
And you sound so much more positive today :-) It makes me smile to read what you wrote: you are young and strong and can beat this! I can hear the fire behind the words you typed! Keep that fire and spirit and let it help you through if ever you start feeling down.
I will keep you in my prayers, Shell, and add you to the prayer chain at church. Keep me posted on your progress, please.
Beverly