What I Wish I Knew Before My Cancer Diagnosis at 21 Years Old

Dec 18, 2024

Read Time: 7 minutes
Author: Brinlee Luster, marketing and communications specialist, Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Communications Team

Brinlee and her husband sitting in front of a window

I was only just beginning to find my footing—fresh out of college and seven months into marriage. Life was full of the early conversations that come with a new marriage—deciding on careers, figuring out finances, and dreaming about our future. Then came the news that no one expects and no none is prepared for: Cancer.

Our conversations changed. The questions we were asking were heavier. How would we afford fertility preservation? Who would be the right oncologist for me? How were we going to manage these feelings of fear and uncertainty?

Juggling urgent medical decisions while trying to hold onto a “normal” young adult life was a challenge I wasn’t prepared for. I’ve learned so much along the way. While my journey is uniquely mine, I hope sharing my advice—from fertility preservation to balancing work, finances, relationships, and mental health—can offer some guidance as other patients navigate their own path.

“There is no blueprint for this journey. Your story will not look like mine, and that’s okay.”

Fertility Preservation

When I met with my surgeon for my tumor resection (not part of the 91�鶹��ֱ�� system), the first thing he asked my husband and me was whether or not we were planning to have children. He told us that the window to surgery was small, so I needed to explore fertility options as soon as possible.

I was shocked. He gave us little information and we had to figure it out ourselves. We left that appointment calling as many people as we could think of who had been through the process, as well as every fertility clinic in Utah, trying to get on their schedules.

Affording Treatment

The next challenge was figuring out how we could afford in vitro fertilization (IVF). It’s no secret that fertility treatment is expensive. As newlyweds, the thought of affording it was daunting. On top of this, I was dealing with overwhelming emotions while still experiencing symptoms from my tumor. My husband was a huge support, spending hours on the phone trying to figure out if there were financial aid options available to us.

Thankfully, we were able to get a significant discount through the , which was a huge relief. We also found a grant through Worth the Wait, which helped cover additional costs. The application process was straightforward, and the team behind the grant was incredibly supportive. Every dollar we saved meant so much to us as we began our journey, and we felt genuinely cared for by people we had never met.

Family-Building Resources

: Discounts for fertility services specifically designed for people with cancer.
: A grant program offering emergency funds ranging from $500 to $2,500 for cancer patients.
: A grant program for individuals who are between 15–37 years old and who have been denied fertility coverage by their insurance.
: A resource that provides detailed guidance on family planning during cancer treatment.

Tips During IVF

The IVF fertility process was not only financially burdensome but also physically and emotionally exhausting. It can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days of a cancer diagnosis. But I am here to say that it’s possible—you can get through it.

Here are some of my tips for the process itself:

Keep a planner

During IVF, you’ll need to track multiple medications at specific times. Because my timing was rushed, I was determined to get everything right. A planner dedicated to these weeks helped me stay organized. If you’re into color-coding, assign different colors to each medication!

Go on walks

Daily walks not only gave me a boost of vitamin D, but also helped with the bloating that was one of my biggest symptoms. Gentle movement can make a difference.

Ice your stomach before shots

IVF shots can sting and leave small bruises that will eventually fade. Icing my stomach beforehand helped ease the burn. I’d also put on a show in the background to keep my mind off the needle.

Prioritize electrolytes

Hydration is key, especially with electrolytes, to help balance fluids, support kidney function, and combat fatigue. I personally found sports drinks helpful.

Prepare emotionally

The hormones used to prepare your body for IVF can impact your mood. I found it helpful to remind myself of my “why.” Focusing on the purpose behind the process helped me manage the emotional ups and downs.

Balancing Career and Financial Hurdles

At the time of my diagnosis, I had just graduated college and was about to start my first full-time job. Being so young, I didn’t even consider the possibility that cancer could quality as a “disability.” It wasn’t until I talked to others in similar situations that I discovered the options available to me. Whether you’re in school or just starting your career, I hope some of this helps. In my case, my employer allowed me to transition to a part-time schedule to accommodate my treatment.

Your situation may look different, but there are resources out there. Depending on the nature of your treatment and recovery, you might qualify for short-term or long-term disability.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Short-Term Disability

If you need temporary time off for surgery, initial treatments, or recovery, you may qualify for short-term disability. This typically provides partial income replacement for a few weeks to a few months.

Long-Term Disability

If your treatment or recovery period is expected to extend beyond several months, or if your cancer has advanced, long-term disability may be available. Long-term policies often provide income replacement for a year or more, until you can return to work or reach a certain age.

Career and School Resources

The provides scholarships and resources to young adults impacted by cancer, helping you stay on track with your education during treatment.
offers financial assistance in the form of scholarships specifically for cancer survivors pursuing higher education.
offers valuable career advice, resources, and support for navigating work during and after cancer treatment.
The offers free, confidential guidance on your rights and how to request the support you need if you’re struggling with workplace accommodations.

Maintaining Relationships and Mental Health

Maintaining relationships in your young adult years is challenging enough—but adding a cancer diagnosis can make it even harder. I’ve had to make a conscious effort to keep friendships alive.

Early on in my diagnosis, I felt an outpouring of support from family and friends. However, as time went on, that support naturally began to fade. It’s not uncommon for people to see you only through the lens of your illness or to hold back because they’re not sure how to help.

Ask for support when you need it

Don’t be afraid to reach out when you need a hand, a listening ear, or just some company. Letting people know how they can support you can make them feel less awkward and help you feel more connected.

Find a community

Surrounding yourself with others who truly understand what you’re going through can be incredibly healing. I recommend checking out the HIAYA Cancer group, which is specifically for adolescents and young adults. This community offers connection, understanding, and resources that can help you feel less isolated. You can join their and find people who truly get it.

Embrace professional support

Counseling can be a huge help during this journey. Talking to someone trained to handle the complexities of cancer can provide you with tools to process emotions and maintain mental health over time. Huntsman Cancer Institute has social workers and support groups that can help.

Final Thoughts

The path of navigating cancer as a young adult is one that you never expect to walk, and you never would choose. There will be days when the weight of it all feels unbearable, and others when you think, “Maybe I can do this.”

There is no blueprint for this journey. Your story will not look like mine, and that’s okay. There will be different moments, different battles, different victories. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that even in the midst of uncertainty, there’s room for hope. You don’t have to have it all figured out. In fact, you won’t. And that’s alright.

Take it one moment at a time. Surround yourself with people who see you and who understand. Ask for help when you need it. This journey isn’t easy, but you are not alone. You are more than this diagnosis. You are not defined by cancer. You are so much more and you can do this!

You are not defined by cancer.

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