Going to Nursing school with cancer

[morganm2012]

Hi all, I'm very new to this allnurses.com site and I would LOVE some feedback and/or advice/tips. You see, I am 19 and a full time student. I have cancer, as I mentioned in my title and I've had it since I was 14. I have a chronic cancer, which means I will always have it but it isn't terminal or interfere with my life too often. But I do have chemotherapy treatments about once a year and I'm scared about going into nursing. I've set my goals on this for a long time but recently I'm questioning myself. How can I make it through nursing school if Im sick due to chemo? or say I do make it through nursing school and get a job? how am I supposed to hold down this job if I have to do treatments 2 months out of every year? I'm aware of the FMLA but who would want to hire somebody like me? I mean I am in top physical condition otherwise, it is just something that has to be controlled or else it will get worse. I've been at my current job for almost 6 months now and I have only called in sick twice. I am mentally and physically capable of doing everything a "normal" person can do 10 months out of the year.

[chiariwarrior]

I don't really have any advice but I will be praying for you! I finished nursing school became an RN and shortly after found out I have a connective tissue disorder called EDS. It effects your collagen and there is no cure for it. I have had to have a brain surgery and a neck fusion since then. And in one month have to have a spinal surgery. I don't know if I will ever get to use my degree. It's very depressing so I know how you feel. I hope that someone on here has so advice for you. God bless you and always keep your fighting spirit. Just knowing you want to try and tackle this tells me you are a fighter.

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

First off many hugs and prayers!

Second, don't let your dreams die because of the cancer. If you talk to the school I am sure you will find they'd be more than willing to help work around your chemo. Can you do it in the summer and take classes in the fall/spring? Same with work. I am sure if you are up front and explain the situation employers can work with you. I hope that you decide to go for your dreams and make them a reality!

[Sadala, ADN, RN]

You could also go into some type of contract or assignment nursing and then purposely not schedule for the times you have chemo. Best of luck to you!

[morganm2012]

Thanks every one :) after weeks of tossing and turning, I've decided to just go for it and let the cards end up where they may. I've talked it over with my parents and they see no reason why I should give up. I think I'd regret it in the long run if didn't go for it and see what I could do... but my father works at the nearest hospital and guarantees me he can pull some strings if I ever have trouble with this :) so I suppose I'll just ride it out and see where it takes me!