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Teenager struggling with dads diagnosis

Bengalqueen
  • 2 replies
  • 10 subscribers
  • 109 views

Good afternoon, 

I am looking for some guidance.  My husband has just completed his 5th round of chemo (a course of 6) with radiotherapy planned afterwards.  He has coped really well throughout with the treatment with minimal side effects however as he was such an active, healthy man before it has really impacted on my children (9, 11 and 13).  In particular my son, who is 13 is struggling.  He is very morose, quite emotional, distracted in class and starting to isolate himself in class as he feels he cannot relate to his peers at the moment.  His school were very supportive initially but now he is starting to get more ‘punishment for behaviour’.  I was wondering if you can advise talking therapy for his age? He talks to me and is open but I know he worries about me and how I cope so want him to have an impartial person.

  • Hello  

    Thank you for getting in touch with us about this. I’m sorry to hear your son is struggling. It’s very understandable, as I guess it must be difficult for him coping with this alongside the pressures of school life. It’s good that you are looking to get him support, and there are things we can suggest.

    You mention the school were supportive initially. Have they put any support in place for him? If not, it might be worth asking them as they do have a duty of care to support him with this. They might be able to arrange some form of counselling. Also, his GP might be a good route to getting some form of talking therapy in place for him.

    In addition to those options, it might be worth getting in touch with an organisation such as Hope Support Services. Hope is a charity specifically set up to support young people who have a loved one with a serious illness.

    The Osborne Trust is another support service for children and young people who have a parent with a cancer diagnosis. They offer emotional and practical support for children aged 18 years and younger.

    We are also here for him. He would be welcome to get in touch with our freephone support line 0808 808 00 00 or our online webchat service. Both open 8am – 8pm seven days a week. We will provide emotional support and a space for him to express how he is feeling. You and other family members would also be welcome to do that  .

    Please do stay in touch with us.

    David, Information and Support Adviser

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

  • in reply to David H - Macmillan

    Thank you so much for all the guidance and the support.  I'll get on and contact the suggested groups.  I'll keep you posted.

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