What being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma at age 14 taught me about strength
This Q&A feature highlights Annette’s experience facing a spinal tumor and Ewing Sarcoma diagnosis as a teenager, detailing her mental resilience, physical recovery, and positive mindset.
Takeaways:
Ewing Sarcoma diagnosed during adolescence requires balancing grueling treatments with ongoing school and peer support.
Reframing your mindset around healing rather than focusing on the disease builds mental strength.
Prioritizing daily rest, gentle movement, and active self-compassion helps the body bounce back from heavy treatments.
A strong network of family, school communities, and peers is vital for young cancer patients.
Meet Warrior Wednesday’s feature, Annette. We had a chance to chat with her about her journey being a teen newly diagnosed the day before her first high school class.
What was your diagnosis story?
SW: Share your story, as little or as much as you would like.
ANNETTE: At age 14, right before my first day of high school, I was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma. A tumor was removed at L-2 of my spine. I was treated with radiation and chemotherapy. I incorporated eastern medicine and natural treatments throughout my 18-month battle.
SW: What was diagnosis like for you, and what would you share with someone newly diagnosed?
ANNETTE: I immediately tried to dive back into my normal routine. I was given a tutor to catch up with schoolwork, spent time with friends, started physical therapy and daily workouts, and participated in school plays and after-school activities.
I refused to feel sorry for myself and never allowed negative thoughts to entertain me. I didn't say the "C-word" out loud and wouldn't allow anyone to feel sorry for me. From the moment I was diagnosed, it was all about positivity and forward movement.
How did you navigate chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation?
SW: What was the initial treatment like, and what advice do you have for someone starting treatment?
ANNETTE: Chemotherapy was incredibly difficult for me. I was treated once a week on Thursdays. I'd miss school every Thursday and Friday because of extreme nausea and fatigue.
I know it's different for everyone, but I struggled with the long treatment days and the sickness I felt afterward. If there was one thing I'd tell someone, it would be to be gentle with yourself and take as much time as you need to rest.
SW: What do you wish more people knew about surviving cancer?
ANNETTE: Cancer is beatable! Don't accept being a "cancer patient"—cancer isn't yours. What is yours is the healing process. You are not a statistic. Trust the process you are in, listen to your body, and keep fighting.
SW: What helped you through chemo?
ANNETTE: My family, friends, and support system helped me get through those difficult treatment days when I was too weak to walk, eat, or talk. Don't be afraid to speak up and be as transparent as you can regarding your needs after each treatment.
How do you manage fear and cultivate daily positivity?
SW: Cancer is scary. How did you navigate fear?
ANNETTE: I refused to allow fear to enter into the equation. My focus was and is on love and healing. Cancer is a massive opportunity to level up everything in your life. I have always believed in mind over matter. The human body is equipped to adapt, regenerate, and heal.
SW: Any advice for cultivating positivity?
ANNETTE:
Make yourself a priority.
Be kind and practice gratitude daily.
Give compliments and live in the present moment.
Change the tone of your thoughts.
Find your inner strength.
SW: What is the best advice you were given?
ANNETTE: "The world needs role models. And in the absence of one, why not make yourself your own?"
SW: Is there a mantra that kept you grounded?
ANNETTE: "Invest in yourself, follow yourself, look to yourself as the guru. You can really do whatever your mind can imagine. You make your own movie. Make it the one you want. Zero limitations."
How did support and perspective shifts shape your healing?
SW: What support was most helpful?
ANNETTE: I was only 14, so I had full support from my family, relatives, friends, and community. Being active at school and getting back into my normal routine helped immensely!
SW: What perspective shifts came from your diagnosis?
ANNETTE: I cannot fathom the person I would be if I had not experienced cancer. Because I experienced it at such a young age, it shaped who I've become. It taught me the immense power my thoughts and actions have—not only as a survivor, but as a person.
SW: You are one inspirational human, Annette! Thank you for sharing your story of HOPE with others!
TREATMENT PHASE
Annette's Experience & Key Advice
Chemotherapy
Weekly treatments on Thursdays caused nausea/fatigue
Advice: Be gentle with yourself and rest completely
Surgery
L-2 spinal tumor removal
Young body bounced back relatively quickly
Radiation
Short treatment course with minimal complications
You don't have to navigate this alone.
Facing a pediatric or adolescent cancer diagnosis presents unique challenges for young people and families. Connect with our community to find peer support for every age. Connect with our virtual and in-person survivor support groups today.