In 2017, Karolin was diagnosed with bone cancer in her shin. That was a shock at first and Karolin, who was still studying for her degree and enjoying the summer in Berlin with her shared flat, had to start therapy immediately. After an operation, she had to start chemotherapy after a very short time. Chemotherapy, you've heard of it before, but having to do it yourself - that's really scary at first. And Karolin doesn't have much time to process it and think about it: so that the cancer doesn't spread in the body, therapy must be started as soon as possible. When someone has #cancer, cells change and multiply very quickly. In the process, the bad cancer cells destroy other healthy cells. This can happen in very different places in the body. Chemotherapy kills the tumor cells, which have a fast metabolism and divide quickly. But unfortunately, during chemotherapy, the drug not only destroys the bad cancer cells, but also all other cells with a high metabolism and rapid cell division. For example, hair cells, cells in the fingernails and toenails and in the oral mucosa. This is why your hair and fingernails often fall out during chemotherapy and your mouth is often dry. Chemotherapy can also make you infertile because it also kills eggs. When Karolin was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 25, she didn't know whether she ever wanted to get pregnant and have children. But before chemotherapy, she had no choice but to think about it. Because the likelihood of being able to have biological children after chemotherapy is very low. This is why many patients have their eggs removed and frozen before chemotherapy. Chemotherapy varies from patient to patient. Karolin, for example, struggled with severe nausea and found the therapy pretty terrible. Marlene, on the other hand, said in the last #AufKlo episode that she hardly had any side effects. Here is the episode with Marlene: • Cancer at 18: "How my life changed... Do you need psychological help? Call the telephone counseling service; you can speak to someone there free of charge, anonymously and around the clock. Or speak to someone you trust, such as a good friend or someone at your school, work or university. This is super important! Even if it's difficult right now: don't lose heart! 0800 - 111 0 111 0800 - 111 0 333 (for children and young people) Two people. One toilet cubicle. And finally time to talk about the important things in life: about sex and contraception, the first visit to the gynecologist, the first period and study stress. But also about everyday racism, what it's like to be in a wheelchair, sexism, coming out, depression, being trans or unwanted pregnancies. We really address everything so that everyone knows: there is nothing to be ashamed of! Follow us on... …Facebook: / aufklo ...Instagram: / aufklo ...Twitter: / auf_klo YEAH! We're also part of #funk. Check it out: YouTube: / funkofficial Web-App: https://go.funk.net Facebook: / funk