ほっし校長 Persistent Anxiety of Childhood Cancer Survivors
When I was in the third grade of elementary school, I developed osteosarcoma at the base of my right foot.
In the initial surgery plan, amputation of the right leg was also considered, and at the time of cancer notification before surgery, I also experienced explanation of amputation of the right leg and confirmation of approval of amputation.
I lost my word to the announcement, which was extremely heavy for me, who was only 10 years old.
I was born in this world, and in just 10 years I have to cut off a part of my body to live.
Yes, I could calmly understand it about a week after that day, before the surgery.
However, I had another announcement.
The base of the right foot that developed osteosarcoma was expected to be the site of onset, but preoperative examination showed that the cancer had spread to the abdomen.
If the cancer had spread to a wide area of the abdomen, it would not be possible to remove all the cancerous tissue.
In other words, it was an announcement that surgery would be abandoned if cancer metastasis was widespread.
It was, in effect, a life expectancy sentence.
My mother and I, who were listening to the explanation of the announcement from the doctor in charge, lost their words.
However, when I think about it now, I remember that it was a very painful announcement for my doctor.
