Take time to process everything and remember this!

You are not alone

Absolutely not. You will receive a lot of support, as you will notice in the coming months. There are many people you can talk to, from family and friends to medical social workers and psychologists. There are also many teenagers who have cancer or who have had cancer. If you feel isolated, it can really help to connect with them at the Máxima Center, through M4you, or through the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association.

Speak up

It can feel comfortable to sit back and simply follow what you are told during treatment. But if you are worried about something, unhappy about something, or if you would like to try something new, do not be afraid to talk about it and speak up. It is your treatment, and your treatment team is there to listen to you.

Ask questions

Keep asking questions, ask even more questions, and then ask a few more. If there is something you want to know, keep asking until you get a clear answer. Your physicians and nurses will not mind. You can also look at the page about questions you can ask for tips.

Being honest helps

This does not mean it is always easy to be honest, but it can help you feel better. Cancer can affect your emotions, friendships, and relationships in unexpected ways. When you feel ready, try to be open about what you are going through. It can help you and the people around you feel less stressed. Keeping everything inside usually does not make problems go away.

What you feel is normal

Angry? Afraid? Sad? Jealous? Lonely? Confused? Guilty? All of these feelings at once? However you feel, it is completely okay. There is no right or wrong. On the page Feelings you can find tips on dealing with emotions and what may help when you are having a difficult time.

Every situation is different

Your experience with cancer may change over time and depends on many factors, such as the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and which treatment you receive.

Try not to compare yourself with other people you meet who also have cancer. No two experiences are the same. It is also important to be careful about where you get your information. There is a lot of useful information about cancer, but there are also unreliable sources. Choose your sources carefully. If something does not sound trustworthy, think about who wrote or said it and why. Then look into it further and ask your physicians or nurses what they think.