Child’s Letter – To a Friend Receiving Chemo

To a Friend receiving Chemo,

We may not know each other but we have a lot in common.

I can remember the first time I received chemo. I was really scared because I didn’t know what to expect. I can also tell you that it wasn’t nice. But, it doesn’t matter how you feel, as long as you don’t give up.

Let me tell you how you are going to feel: you are going to feel very nauseous, you are going to feel tired and bright light might be sensitive to you. You maybe want to cry some days (that’s OK) and maybe you are going to have trouble sleeping.

Now I don’t want to scare you, because if you feel nauseous you can suck on some ice. If you are tired, sleep, it is good for you. For bright light you can ask someone to bring you a little cloth to cover your eyes. If you want to cry, do it, don’t keep it in, if you keep it in you might feel like giving up.

You must be brave, and even the brave cry.

If you can’t sleep, find something to do, you can play chess, watch a movie or read if you want to.

You are not alone. The nurses are always there and a lot of people love you.

You don’t have to be scared. If you need something, press the button to call the nurse to assist you.

Remember to be brave, this is not forever.

From Sean Adlem