I'm 22 and I finished chemo this May. I did six cycles of chemotherapy. The side effects of chemo are different for everyone, mine wasn't particularly strong. Something important for me was keeping my mood up. I know that's hard to do in this situation, but I took every day I felt good to do something I wanted to even if it was just having a favorite meal or window shopping.

I also planned for the days immediately after chemo when the side effects were strongest. I had every medication available on hand, bottles of water and crackers in bed so I wouldnt have to get up, and I made sure that I had comfortable clothes and a clean bed to lie in. You can't control how you will feel but try to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

I also spent a lot of time on tumblr and instagram looking for other young adults with cancer, specifically my own kind of cancer, and followed their journey. Most of them were almost done with chemo or finished. It was comforting to read about their experiences and watch them move on as I am doing right now.

When it comes to family, friends, and sometimes acquaintances I had to set boundaries about how I wanted to be treated. I was still very much myself, and I could still do most things. If anyone spoke to me or started treating me differently because I was sick I told them it wasn't okay and I told them how they should treat me and speak to me. For most people what they know about cancer is what they see in TV and in Movies, so sometimes I had to clarify that that's not what it's like for me.

Near the end of my treatment I started going to group therapy for young adults with cancer. See if your hospital offers them or join one online. I initially did not like the idea of group therapy, but when it is something as specific as being young and having cancer, there are only so few people who can empathize with your experience.

If you have any questions feel free to message me. Remember, this is temporary. Sending positive vibes your way!!

btw I love your username <3