The Voice of Canadians With Breast Cancer
Information
Telling your children that you have metastatic breast cancer can be a challenge. You don’t want to frighten and overwhelm them, but at the same time, you don’t want to leave them guessing at what you’ve been upset about. Since children have an innate ability to sense when something is wrong, they may invent a problem that is much worse than reality if information is lacking. It’s important to be honest and to keep the lines of communication open.
Here is a sample script that you can adapt to your own particular situation.
As the cancer progresses, you may wish to discuss your mortality with your children:
If you have adult children, telling them about your cancer diagnosis is just as difficult. They may have a lot of questions and feelings. Talking to them about your treatment plan may help them cope with the news. You may consider letting them speak with your doctor if they have questions. At times, you may need their support with everyday tasks or you may need to rely on them when it comes to making treatment decisions.
Speaking with a social worker at your cancer centre may help you find the right words or you can check out the following resources:
Wellspring’s Helping Children Cope When a Parent Has Terminal Cancer educational guide
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