IAmA Survivor of Hepatoblastoma (Rare Childhood Liver Cancer) AMA

How did your parents explain your condition to you? Also, how old are you now, and are you cancer-free?

They explained it pretty vaguely. I knew I was sick, and it was cancer. I remember my mom telling me I had "Soldiers" that were fighting for me. I'm not sure whether she was referring to the chemo or my white blood cells though. Looking back I really had no idea what was happening. I'm 22 and cancer free! :)

Congrats ! I also am a survivor of childhood cancer (rhabdo) and just wanted to comment and say youre a friggen warrior for what youve been through. internet hug

Yeee!! Fellow warriors!! Hugs!

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Yes! I got a big screen TV and a buttload of disney movies! I actually still have the TV at my mom's house back home. It's crazy out dated though since it's from 1996.

Any residual effects?

Yeah, there were a lot. A lot of my organs have been hit hard by the chemo. Kidneys, heart, thyroid, I have some pretty intensive hearing damage as well. I'd say the biggest effect it had has been psychological. I deal with the trauma on an ongoing basis. Panic attacks, depression, anxiety, hypochondria and a distrust of doctors. Because of my disease being so rare, in diagnosis and survival, I really don't have anything to compare to when it comes to things like longevity and recurrences of cancer. Thanks for the question!

Have you since or will you ever drink?

I drink pretty regularly. I really shouldn't be, but I feel like my urge to just live normally outweighs my concern sometimes. I do keep regular tabs on my liver to make sure everything is fine. Nothing bad has come up thankfully.

What was it like when you were first diagnosed? Afterwards, what was it like when you learned you had beaten it?

Terrifying. All I can remember from the beginning is pain in my right shoulder that wouldn't go away. I was extremely phobic of needles at the time so I effectively ruined everyone's hearing with screaming. I had a reputation with the nurses. They came with ear plugs. When I knew I had beaten it I really didn't know what to do. I don't remember feeling anything to be honest. I'm sure I was relieved to not have any needles anymore, but besides that I just wanted to get back to living normally as soon as I could.

How was it treated? Only chemo, or did you made transplant?

I had chemotherapy and that was it to my knowledge. I think I had a lot of other medications I was taking as well but I couldn't tell you what they are for the life of me...

Did they have to remove your liver/did you get a transplant?

I had 80% of my liver removed. Luckily livers are the only organ besides skin that can regenerate. So as of today I have a full sized liver, it's just a little misshapen.

What was the one thing that kept you fighting at such a young age? Was it the fact that your parents encouraged you?

I couldn't even tell you. I just remember wanting everything to stop so I could just be normal again. I remember missing my friends birthdays and I wanted to play soccer and go outside but couldn't. My parents were definitely encouraging but sadly I don't have any stories that I can think of off the top of my head.

Have you ever gotten investigated by the Secret Service for tragically misspelling your condition while Googling it?

You'll have to explain this one to me..

My dyslexic eyes read it as "Help to blast Obama"

Ahahahaah help I can't breathe!!!!

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Completely. My life has never been "normal" I'm always dealing with some kind of stress or anxiety related to it. The whole situation left me incredibly alienated from everything more than appreciative.

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Well, whenever I see a new doctor they are taken aback, so I'm assuming it's very rare. I'm known as the "bench mark" at the childrens hospital I was treated in. I am assuming that means I am the first in that hospital, at least.

Congrats! My partner died of liver cancer 7 years ago. It's a hard and rare cancer to beat. I'm so glad you pulled through and wish you all the best!!!

I'm so sorry for your loss. I send hugs to you! Thank you for the kind words!

how does it feel to look like a fucked retard? g-d i could not care less about your shit dude i hope you get cancer again so i wont have to see your dickbutt again

Feels pretty good, thanks for asking! :)

what the fuck.... how can you just take my insults, you dont have to stoop to a lowlife like me, you are... I'm sorry, I was mean and I apologize. Live long and prosper.

Hahaha a remorseful troll? Never thought I'd see the day :P I didn't even take that close to heart. I've done my time in middle school my friend.

cancer is da ultimit bitch lyk if yhoo agree.

lyke muh staytus if u h8 cancer~