I am endstage. The cancer has spread to my lungs and brain. I endure difficulty in breathing, headaches, seizures among other symptoms.

It has given me a new appreciation for life and living to the fullest. I was working in the business world and went back to my social work roots and worked at a cancer non-profit for young adults. It gave me a way to help others with my experiences and to use my cancer in a positive way.

I am not working and taking the opportunity to be with my family and friends. I am blessed with a great group of friends and family, much of which I have become closer with after my diagnosis.

I am struggling with the fact that I am dying and my health is deteriorating.

Balancing the health issues with the emotional issues. I am a single young adult and I have had to learn to give up my independence and depend on others.

I attend a young adult support group monthly as well as interact with others affected by cancer on Planet Cancer. I also have a great group of friends in and out of the cancer community which are very supportive.

Instead of putting things off to the future I took advantage of the enjoying life. I have concentrated on doing the things that I have always wanted to do and spend as much quality time with the people I love.

I am currently on unemployment. I worked full-time throughout my treatment. I switched jobs with a large cut in pay to work at a non-profit. Unfortunately I was placed on part-time and subsequently laid off due to financial cut backs.

At the beginning I worked harder. I did not want to be known as the cancer girl or perceived as I was using my illness to get out of work. I was relieved of some of my duties because my manager thought it would be better for me. I changed my career, realizing I wanted to use my experience to help others.

The need to get up and do something. Not giving myself the excuse of staying in bed or feeling sorry for myself. Working was a distraction of what was going on with my health.

Don't push yourself too hard. Be honest with your managers and team members about your situation, but stress your capabilities. Feel free to let them know what support you need. Talk to your Human Resource department about benefits, disability, etc before you need to use them.

I had a lot of nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, hair loss, headaches, and pain.

Take a deep breath. Focus on today and do not stress about the future. Weigh your treatment options and look closely at what is important to you.