Cancer Survivors Network

Hi, My kids were 5 and 8 at the time I was diagnosed. I was the stay at home mom so there was no getting around the fact that something was happening. Kids are very perceptive and they know instinctively when somethings not right. My oldest had the toughest time because he knew the word Cancer, he asked questions and talked to a school councelor. I was very honest about everything. I only had radiation, I didn't endure any chemo. My reaction to the radiation was rough, I had to be "real" with the kids whether I wanted to or not. Good Luck and know that kids want to be a part of their parents, no matter if it is good or bad. Sandi

Hi,

When my husband was diagnosed we decided to be very up front with our kids (almost 10 years at the time). I would agree that the word cancer was the scariest part for them. They assumed that anyone who had cancer would immediately die. It took a while for them to understand. I should also explain that I initially told them that Dad had Hodgkin's disease and didn't use the cancer word.

They have had times when they get really scared and other times when they forget that Dad is sick. They're very much a part of the chemo schedule and are always interested in knowing how many more sessions, etc.

I took our kids shopping about halfway through the treatments to get Dad a chemo buddy (small stuffed bunny) to take with him to treatments. He has been a good sport about taking it with him -- and I think the kids really like knowing that the stuffed animal they chose is there with him when he's getting his "medicine".

I have never taken them to the infusion unit, nor would I -- I think it's enough to process that Dad is sick (and we hope) will be better soon.