Raveen Harden, Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Raveen Harden is the little fish in the big pond this year as she starts her freshman year in Houston. Being a freshman at a new school can be scary, but it hardly compares to what Harden has faced over the past year.
In May 2006, Raveen was diagnosed with a rare cancer called neuroendocrine carcinoma at the age of 14. She was referred to the Children’s Cancer Hospital at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center where she immediately began treatment.
“I was pretty calm when I first found out the news. I had heard of cancer because my grandmother had previously had it,” says Harden. “Still, it was hard to believe that I was sick, but it really sank in when I started treatment.”
Harden’s first few months were the toughest. She was at a different school than where her friends attended. She was living with and being taken care of by her older sister. And, her hair started to fall out as a result of the chemotherapy she was receiving.
“A lot of my classmates didn’t know what cancer was. Some made fun and some thought I was going to die. Overall, I didn’t feel good about myself,” says Harden. “In the end, though, I made some good friends, and I had the support of my grandmother and older sister to get me through the toughest days.”
Harden’s feelings were similar to those felt by other teenagers with cancer. Aside from dealing with a change in looks, adolescents and young adult (AYAs) patients have to deal with the desire to be independent while at the same time having to rely on physicians and parents. In addition, this age group must cope with the changes in friendships and other relationships and often struggle to stay focused on their life after cancer.
Like Harden, many AYA patients find support through the Children’s Cancer Hospital’s psychosocial staff. These doctors and staff members help patients deal with emotional and social issues that result from cancer. Support groups and counseling as well as fun activities are available to help young patients.
When May 2007 rolled around, Harden had a chance to go on the annual educational SeaWorld trip in San Antonio. Aboard a Southwest plane with 30 other patients, Harden experienced her first flight ever. The trip would be her first adventure for the summer.
After receiving permission from her doctor to take a break from treatment for the summer, Harden hopped aboard another plane and headed to DisneyWorld on a Make-a-Wish trip with her family. She finished out her summer by attending the Children’s Cancer Hospital’s Camp A.O.K. for AYA patients.
“I’ve learned a lot from having cancer. One is not to judge people by their appearances,” says Harden. “I’ve also decided that I want to use my experience to give hope to other kids with cancer.”
Her future plans are to attend college and to train to become a nurse for cancer patients. First, she has to get through her freshman year - a piece of cake for this determined girl.
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