Hi all - my dad aged 70 has been diagnosed with lung cancer which has spread, the treatments aren't working (radiotherapy and he can't have chemo) so it's a case of pallitative care. We've been told he has months to live. I have 2 children aged 5 and 7 and I would like to be able to talk to them about what is happening and prepare them as much as you can. I bought a book called Cancer Party which is great for this age group to explain cancer, how it spreads and different treatments in a child friendly way. It feels like it gives them false hope though as it talks about the person getting back to normal after treatment which isn't the case with their granddad. Has anyone got any experience of books broaching the topic of terminal cancer? At the moment all they know is that granddad is very unwell. Thoughts appreciated thank you
Hi Jubobs
Sorry to hear about your dad, with us it is my wife who has the cancer and added to our issues our son has autism so I was especially concerned about books that promised "cure" since we knew that was never possible.
Still the tips in Talking to children and teenagers can be helpful and especially the suggestions about remembering to include the school in the circle since they will be another trusted adult in their lives. There is also this resource that might be helpful.
<<hugs>>
Steve
