LeesaG

nancy591
nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Leesa,
In a previous post you mentioned your kids and how to tell them. How old are your kids? I have 3 kids. My younger two are 6 and 4. The social worker at my cancer center gave me a book about talking to kids about cancer. It is called "In Mommys Garden" The author is Neyal J. Ammary. The concept is easy to understand and its not very sad, although the first time reading it to my kids I could barely get through it without losing it. I would say it would be good for up to pre-teen. If you have a hard time finding the book I will mail you my copy.

In regard to work. I worked as an RN in a specialty area called "MDS Coordinator". My job too was very important to me. It was such a part of my life. I went on disability after my surgery and during my inital treatment. It wasn't until then I re-evaluated my life and what I wanted. I left my job offically in March of '09, six months after diagnosis. I do miss my job and they still call me to ask me questions but I am so much happier now. In many aspects I am happier now then I was before I was diagnosed.

I realize my decision isn't for everyone. Some people need to keep busy and work does just that. If I didn't have young kids I would have definately went back to work.

Comments

  • leesag
    leesag Member Posts: 621 Member
    #2
    My Kids
    Hi Nancy,

    I'm sorry if my post misled you! The kids I was referring to, are my school kids, I'm a teacher. My daughter is 20 years old, and I was able to sit down with her and explain everything simply but honestly. (Although, as I may have stated, she was saddened by the fact that I would have a hysterectomy and not be able to have any more children. hello...45 years old..not planning on more kids anyway!)

    I guess I should have been a bit more specific when I talk about "my kids," they are my students, although I love each and every child and for many of them, I'm one of the few constant positive people in their lives. I'm a teacher and I have 30 fourth graders who are all my kids, plus my kids who have graduated to fifth grade and beyond. I have missed several days of work recently for tests and appointments and when I went in today, you would have thought that I had been gone for a year. I was nearly tackled by them as they rushed to give me hugs! At that point, I realized that this news would be devastating for them.

    I will be treated at our local hospital and many of "my kids" have relatives who work there or are also undergoing treatment there. I'm not sure how my principal plans to tell them, or how much, but there is no doubt that in our small community, they will find out one way or the other. My preference would be to find some way to tell them before I look "scary sick," so they don't worry so much. Also, it is my hope to return to work between chemo treatments if at all possible.

    I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must have been for you to have to explain this to your young ones. I'm so glad that you are able to stay home with them, what a wonderful gift for all of you! I look at your profile picture and the love and happiness you share with your children shines through!

    Thank you so much for thinking of me! As I read the stories on this board, I realize how much strength everyone here shares with each other and I only hope that as my journey continues I can contribute a bit more!

    Leesa
  • MK_4Dani
    MK_4Dani Member Posts: 314
    #3
    leesag said:

    My Kids
    Hi Nancy,

    I'm sorry if my post misled you! The kids I was referring to, are my school kids, I'm a teacher. My daughter is 20 years old, and I was able to sit down with her and explain everything simply but honestly. (Although, as I may have stated, she was saddened by the fact that I would have a hysterectomy and not be able to have any more children. hello...45 years old..not planning on more kids anyway!)

    I guess I should have been a bit more specific when I talk about "my kids," they are my students, although I love each and every child and for many of them, I'm one of the few constant positive people in their lives. I'm a teacher and I have 30 fourth graders who are all my kids, plus my kids who have graduated to fifth grade and beyond. I have missed several days of work recently for tests and appointments and when I went in today, you would have thought that I had been gone for a year. I was nearly tackled by them as they rushed to give me hugs! At that point, I realized that this news would be devastating for them.

    I will be treated at our local hospital and many of "my kids" have relatives who work there or are also undergoing treatment there. I'm not sure how my principal plans to tell them, or how much, but there is no doubt that in our small community, they will find out one way or the other. My preference would be to find some way to tell them before I look "scary sick," so they don't worry so much. Also, it is my hope to return to work between chemo treatments if at all possible.

    I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must have been for you to have to explain this to your young ones. I'm so glad that you are able to stay home with them, what a wonderful gift for all of you! I look at your profile picture and the love and happiness you share with your children shines through!

    Thank you so much for thinking of me! As I read the stories on this board, I realize how much strength everyone here shares with each other and I only hope that as my journey continues I can contribute a bit more!

    Leesa

    Leesa
    I worked during chemo
    Leesa
    I worked during chemo treatments 1 thru 6, these last 3 weeks I am working from home because of the physical exhaustion of walking around and exposure to germs when my blood counts are low. Working makes my days go faster and gives me something to focus on other than OVCA. I work on a computer and go to meetings so it is very different than a school teacher. By the time you are done with surgery and chemo starts it will be close to the school year end. The last couple of chemo treatments are the hardest because the effects are cumulative. I have not looked "scary sick" during chemo, everyone comments "you look really good". I think a lot of people think all cancer patients look like skinny, pale and sickly. The hair loss is the only clue: a wig covers that up! I just want to let you know that you are going to be able to live your life....it may temporarily slow you down a bit.
    MK

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