Questions & Answers

It depends. Many patients find that in two to three weeks after finishing chemotherapy or radiation therapy their hair starts to grow back. Sometimes it grows back softer or a little differently than before, but it will grow back eventually.

It takes as much energy to be bored as it does to be distracted, so why not use that energy in other, more fun ways. For example, try to meet other teenagers in your unit. They're going through the same things you are, and you probably have a lot of other stuff in common, too. Another way to beat boredom is to bring a friend or sibling with you. And cards, board games, crafts, and, yes, even homework can make the day go faster. It's also a great idea to keep a diary or journal. They're perfect for expressing feelings, ideas, and even writing down questions for your doctor that you might forget.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. However, if you like anyone and feel comfortable letting them know how you feel, it might just make that person, whether they're a fellow patient or anyone else, feel good, which is never a bad thing. You might also find out how they feel about you by starting a friendship first.

The answer is "it depends." Crowds, crowded spaces, or intimate activities are discouraged if you have a low white blood cell count -- due to possible infection risks -- and is probably not enjoyable when you are feeling tired or nauseous. Either way, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse practitioner for advice and medical clearance.

"How can this be happening to me again?" is the common reaction many people have if and when their cancer returns. Many of the same fears come back: how to tell your family and friends, how to deal with more treatment and possible side effects, and all the questions about the future, including "Will the treatment work this time?" When you're in this position, it's important to remember that though dealing with cancer again is difficult, no question about it, it is also a challenge you can and will handle -- you were able to do it the first time and you'll be able to do it again. Most importantly, don't deal with it alone. You have already built relationships with people who can help you in the hospital, so you know that medical care and emotional support are available to you. You may also have an idea what to expect from treatment this time around, which is a big plus because, as we all know, knowledge is power. More people these days are living with cancer than ever before and many more people are available to help you deal.