but what if my cancer comes back?

Let’s face it: cancer sometimes returns. When this happens it is upsetting and challenging for you and your family and friends. The memories of doctor visits, treatments, surgery or hospital stays can be overwhelming. If you have more problems with your cancer, it's natural to worry and feel down, knowing that you'll need more treatment, and that your future is again uncertain.

You may feel like everything is spinning out of control again, yet, there are still things that you can do to regain control and manage the fears. There are often new medical treatments that are available, and your doctors and parents will help you get the best care. It is also important to keep yourself involved with school, friends, and activities. This is one of the best ways to keep your mind in a positive place—by doing the things that you love.

"Taking one day at a time" has real value when you are faced with a difficult challenge. It is not just an old saying with no true meaning. It means keeping your mind focused on what you need to get done right now, today. Worrying about the future is not the same as planning for your future because it uses valuable physical and emotional energy; it prevents you from living your life now. You don't need to be a prisoner of your worries and concerns all the time. Keeping your mind busy does NOT mean you are in denial. It just means that you are allowing yourself to enjoy the rest of your life.

You are not your cancer. It is a huge part of your current struggle, but it is not everything that you are. When you need to focus on medical issues, you can take care of business without getting overwhelmed by it all. Sometimes it is really hard to silence the worrying or negative voices you hear in your head. It may be helpful to listen to Group Loop's relaxation tape that is available by clicking here.

Even if the cancer returns and you have to deal with more illness and treatment, remember that doctors and scientists are working every day to come up with new treatment programs to help control cancer. If you need help getting through the tough times, your doctor or nurse can refer you to a therapist who knows how to help you regain your sense of balance and hope so that you can cope more effectively. You can also join Group Loop's Online Support Groups. In these groups, which are lead by trained professionals, you will connect with other teens that are going through what you are going through and learn ways to better fight for recovery.

Thanks to Ernest Katz, Ph.D., Julia Challinor, RN, Ph.D., MA. ED., and Mitch Golant, Ph.D. for their permission to use and adapt the above information.