My son who is 48yrs has brain cancer. Grade 4 glio on temporal lobe. He has 2 young children aged 8yrs and 13yrs. He had his craniotomy 8 months ago, where along with most of the tumour being removed 25% of his brain was removed. His personality has changed and the children now do not have their father they previously adored. Is there support for my 13yr old grand daughter ???? the yoinger child is having play therapy in school.
My daughters, daughter was diagnosed with pituitary tumour grade 1 at the same time as my sons diagnosis, she had her op where less of the tumor was removed, she will have ongoing chemo for the next 18months, she has had a porta in her chest.
I am trying so hard to support both my children, but at times it just breaks my heart. What makes it worse is that my son and daughter are not friends and it is highly unlikely they will in the furure.
So my question is this. My sons daughter needs some support as she is holding it in and has managed to confide in me her fears and sadness. Also is there nayone one else out there who is in a similar position to my self. I am grand mother to 6 children and it gets a bit lonely xxx
Hi floweryday and welcome to the Online Community although I am so so sorry to hear about your son and daughters, daughters diagnosis. This is such a challenging and stressful time for all the family but I do hope you find the community a safe place to get support and ask your questions.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer specific support groups and other services.
So can I recommend that in the first instant you consider joining our supportive Glioblastoma multiforme and Brain tumours groups. These will be safe places to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions, get support and talk with others who are supporting family and friends on their journey.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Chat’ or ‘New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
When it comes to the practical challenges of supporting family on their cancer journey you may benefit from joining our general supportive Family and friends and Carers only groups where you will connect with others supporting family and friends
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too.
This service provides cancer information, practical information especially about support for the children, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
You may find some of these Macmillan resources helpful on understanding childrens' reactions and also talking to children when an adult has cancer. You can also download, or order a paper copy, of this booklet.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these centres run child specific support.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
