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IAmA Survivor of Hepatoblastoma (Rare Childhood Liver Cancer) AMA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatoblastoma
I was diagnosed at age 5. I was in remission by age 7.
Battle wounds(Proof?): http://i.imgur.com/tFvlGJx.jpg
Ask away!
hepao14 karma
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! :)
FuckYouWaymond5 karma
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
hepao2 karma
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!
hepao3 karma
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.
hepao1 karma
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.
enemyturtle2 karma
What was it like when you were first diagnosed? Afterwards, what was it like when you learned you had beaten it?
hepao1 karma
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.
hepao2 karma
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...
professorhazard1 karma
Have you ever gotten investigated by the Secret Service for tragically misspelling your condition while Googling it?
hepao1 karma
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.
hepao2 karma
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.
hepao1 karma
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.
postits_1 karma
What was the one thing that kept you fighting at such a young age? Was it the fact that your parents encouraged you?
hepao1 karma
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.
heimaey0 karma
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!!!
hepao2 karma
I'm so sorry for your loss. I send hugs to you! Thank you for the kind words!
honestymax-8 karma
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
honestymax0 karma
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.
hepao5 karma
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.
so_stronk8 karma
How did your parents explain your condition to you? Also, how old are you now, and are you cancer-free?
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