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Talking
About It Bone marrow transplants can be overwhelming—there’s so much to learn about the treatment you’ll be receiving. You and your family might feel worried or frustrated at times. It's OK to cry. It's also OK if you don't want to hear details about your treatment or discuss your transplant right away. When you are ready though, sharing your feelings with family members, friends, or hospital care-givers can help. Talking about your fears and hopes can strengthen your relationships, which will help you through the challenges to come. The Road to Recovery The journey ahead of you will not be easy, but remember: other kids have been down this road before, and say that it’s worth it. You can help yourself get well by trying to keep a positive attitude. That doesn't mean you have to be cheerful or brave all the time—after all, having a transplant stinks! Just remember that every part of your treatment—often the toughest parts—are necessary to help you get better. It helps to take one day at a time. Don’t worry about what will happen a few weeks or months from now. Control the things you can, and leave the rest to your doctors and nurses. Whenever possible, laugh and smile. Set goals for yourself, both in the hospital and beyond. Talk about your dreams and plans for your future. By keeping your hopes high, your body will have more energy to heal itself. |
Mixed Emotions These kids explain how they felt when they got the news.  “I was
angry and really upset because I had gone through so much already and it
wasn’t working. But if you have cancer, you try anything.” Age 15, 3 1/2 years after transplant  “I really
didn’t understand it all, but I knew my mom and dad were scared, so
that scared me.” Age 9, 3 years after transplant  “I was
excited because I knew I could get better by getting someone else’s
bone marrow.” Age 12, 2 years after transplant |