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Home > About childhood cancer > For young people >“Help, I’m going to lose my hair!”
You may lose body hair too, eyebrows, eyelashes, chest, underarm, leg and pubic hair. BUT remember that three to six months after treatment, all your hair will have grown back!
Other people’s reactions may be hard to cope with. People may not know what to say because they’re afraid of upsetting you. So it’s a good idea to break the ice first! Many people want to be supportive, but just don’t know what to say.
“Oh my god, I feel so fat!”
Your weight may go up and down, a lot. It’s something people worry about whether they’ve got cancer or not! But we understand that it may affect your self-confidence. The best way to tackle this is through some practical measures.
Ask to be put in touch with your hospital’s dietician. They can advise you on which foods you might be able to eat, which are best for you, and any dietary supplements that may help you. They will look at your individual needs and try to do something that suits you.
Try taking a little exercise, whatever you feel up to. It may just be getting out of bed and sitting in a chair, or you may feel up to a brisk walk or some exercises from the physiotherapist. Find something you enjoy doing, but check with your doctor first.
Talk to your nurse, who has met lots of young people in your situation. He or she can give you advice about the ways other people have coped and offer you some realistic tips.
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