Sarah, Canada

I had just graduated with my masters degree and to celebrate my Dad and I went on an 8 day canoe trip in backcountry. I was checking myself over for any ticks one night and happened to find a small lump in my upper right arm. It took 7 months of tests and appointments for the diagnosis of Myxoid liposarcoma.

The biggest challenges for me with cancer was that no one told me it would leave me with lifelong effects. I thought it was a one and done situation. Coming to terms with the fact that my life was totally changed at 30 years old was hard and led to some mental health struggles that were another big challenge. I wish I had better survivorship care to help with all of these areas.

For me the biggest help was the young adult cancer organizations like young adults cancer Canada (YACC) and Pink Pearl. They provided me with peers who understood my life and what I was going through and also with resources.

My experience with the health care system was varied. I have had some amazing doctors who have listened to me and helped me. I have also had doctors who push aside physical issues saying they are mental health or that I need to loose weight. This is hard as it leaves you feeling unheard and breaks your trust.

I would tell someone being diagnosed today that they know their bodies best and to be their own advocate. Also get the mental health supports and help as it is normal to have anxiety and depression with cancer and that we need to bring this up with our doctors to get the help. Our doctors also need to ask about this and treat the whole person and not just the disease!