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“Too young for cancer”
Hi everyone ! my name is Mackenzie but I go by Kenzie. I was first diagnosed at age 23 with a grade 2 astrocytoma and underwent surgery. After over 7 years of no new growth, I found out I was no longer stable so I just had my 2nd surgery this past November. I am now here in AZ receiving chemo and radiation treatment at the Mayo. I have craved a space with people my age to feel seen and heard for so long. I have found support pages on social media but it’s not the same. I feel so isolated even at the clinic just because of my age and how often I hear “you are so young”. I understand the sentiment but today it finally got to me and hit me wrong when someone mentioned my upcoming birthday (I’ll be 31 in a few weeks) and again stated “Aw so young!” All I want to shout back is “growing old is a privilege!!” I feel like my 20s and now the start of my 30s have been stolen by cancer. Do these words also hit anyone just wrong way? Also looking to connect with like minded folks. Aside from cancer, I am a huge dog lover, live in colorado and typically (when healthy) enjoy skiing, hiking, camping, true crime, reading and live music!
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Relatable stuff. I was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer when I was 23 as well. I’ve just started to be able to stomach how none of the plans for my future will ever pan out, how I won’t be able to tell my niece and nephew stories of how cute they were as babies. There is a lot of weight behind those words when people say it. It’s a devastating thing to have your youth taken away from you, not something imo that strangers should feel so comfortable throwing around.
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2 Reactions@kenzog33, I'd like to introduce you to @ana15vankoeverden who was diagnosed with pilocytic astrocytoma in the brainstem as a child. As young adults today, I think Ana as well as members like @jalamc @xdd @annalise @jessica0 get what you mean about cancer taking over your life and robbing you of your 20s.
You may also be interested in joining the AYA monthly support group on Zoom. They meet the first Thursday every month from 6- 8 p.m. Arizona time.
The next meeting is on April 6. See details here:
– YA, Me Too: Young Adult Cancer Support Group Meeting https://connect.mayoclinic.org/event/aya-adolescents-and-young-adults-support-group-3/
How are your radiation and chemo treatments going? How much longer will you be in Arizona?
Well you weren't the only one I had cancer when I was 27 as a real rare kind older not a lot older now but I made it through it if that makes you feel better I know how you feel like you're isolated you go in to get the radiation no one your age in there but that's how it goes I'm sorry to say that it seems like everyone's in their late 50s 60s or 70 but I can tell you this it always gets better and you have something to tell your kids if you have kids later on good luck and I hope the best for you if you need anything just let me know Debbie
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