Between Being Cured and Being Healed: The Paradox of Childhood Cancer Survivorship

Abstract

In this article, we describe how young adults who are transitioning off treatment for childhood cancer and beginning early survivorship are living in what might be described as a paradox of reality. These survivors' dual reality is their experience of intense frustration with their current state of functioning, and an overwhelming relief that therapy is over and that they survived. They have feelings of fear, trepidation, and anxiety for what experiences lay ahead, but have hope for the future. Finally, they acknowledge the growth they achieved through the experience of cancer treatment, as well as the many missed opportunities to experience normalcy while undergoing therapy. Young adults who are in early cancer survivorship exist in a reality in which they are living disease free, but perceive themselves as having a long road to travel to be healed.