Telling children

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello, I have recently been diagnosed with high-grade stage 1 bladder cancer.  I've had two TURBT procedures and will begin BCG chemo in the next couple of weeks.  My wife and I have recently separated and we have two children, aged 14 and 11.  They know that Dad is sore after some operations however we have not mentioned the C word as yet.  Now that I have a firm diagnosis I feel that the kids should know what's going on.  Their mother has been reluctant to talk about it and keeps postponing.  I disagree with her position.

I'm really looking for some help and direction on how to move forward in a way that's best for the kids.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Mmum

    Thank you.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to Lavitaebella

    Thank you.  My wife and I managed to speak about this today and we are going to agree on lighter language, e.g. "unhealthy cells" ilo cancer.  We won't be fooling anyone (!) however will hopefully convey a softer message that's differentiated from formal medical definitions.

    I've used the excellent advice from this forum to convince of the requirement to tell the kids.  Thank you to everyone.

  • That is good news.  Could be a good idea to prepare what you will say if they ask you straight out whether it’s cancer. Wishing you the best of luck x