Hi my husband has terminal cancer diagnosis. He beat prostate cancer 2 years ago. Now we have been dealt this devastating news. Our 17 year old son is aware of the current cancer but not that it’s terminal. I must say he’s adopted and has some trust issues. We have always been honest and open with him about everything up until now. He’s not coping very well and tends to bottle things up. How can I get him to open up about how he’s feeling. He’s always spoken to his dad about things more than me. The day will come when his dad’s not going to be there. How can I help him.
Hi , sorry to hear about your husband and congratulations on adopting. Clearly you know your son better than anyone else and the decision is yours but I would wonder when it would be the right time to tell him and perhaps how he might react if he found out later.
Perhaps it might help to look through Talking to children and teenagers.
If he is still in education talking to the teachers too and if he wants to talk to someone he would be welcome to ring our helpline 0808 808 0000, sometimes talking to a complete stranger can be easier.
Remember too in all this to look after yourself. if might help to look at Looking after someone with cancer to see what help you can access and post here whenever you want as someone is always listening.
<<hugs>>
Steve
