How do I tell my little boy

Hi, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I have looked on Amazon to see if there was a book that could help with discussing it with your son. I found one that is called, what happens when someone I love has cancer. I read the information on the book it sounds like it could be of help, but you know your son.. Also see if you local macmillian support group can help you with this. 

Remember we are all going through this journey together and at different stages of the our travels. 

Hi, I was given a booklet by the hospital from ‘breast cancer now’ about speaking with children. You can order their booklets online & they deliver free or you can view them directly online. Also Macmillan have a range of free booklets that you can order, so they may have a similar one.

HM

Hiya

Sorry you found yourself here in a club no one ones to be in!

There is no easy way even when I told my 14 year old yesterday. He then went onto Google survival rate for cancer straight after. Which i then said Google stats may not be accurate as its out of date. I gave both my partner and my child the Macmillan support website should they need help.

I guess maybe use a Teddy to explain the situation. As though Teddy is poorly. And he has a little scar on the chest. Indirectly you are the Teddy and when Teddy is poorly eg nausea, in pain...would you love and hug Teddy to make him well? I think kids are very intuitive....no doubt the big Q is will Teddy die? Then maybe explain the doctors will help Teddy to give him medicines to get better. And maybe Teddy may lose his hair and get ready a scarf to bandage teddy's head. I think kids love being helpful and important to have a hand to help care and heal their parent, so let him put the scarf on. This gives him the visual of what is to come. And when the situation presents itself its less shocking for him...and u can then relate back to your chats about Teddy. Its just an idea...u always feel so alone in these situations, a bit of brainstorm doesn't hurt anyone 

I see a sudden change in the teenager attitude from my son after I had a real word with him that I really am relying on his kindness and help and support most of all. He is stepping it up I guess. I also told him he needs to speak up if it gets too much for him to handle. He loss his dad 5yrs ago. How much can a child take right being so young?  I'd like to think I built him to be very resilient but everyone have got their limits. And will fight and fight to get over this.

I don't fess to know it all its the best I can do for myself and all around me. I have no doubt you will do what's best for your son coz you know him the most. Books are helpful too..if you want to get other perspective, but I don't feel the need in my case.

C x

Hi let's have a cuppa 

What a lovely name to pick .  Are you having chemo first ? I had chemotherapy 2 days ago and I have been surprised so far how well I have felt . What treatment are you planning to have to get rid of the cancer?  I think that lots of hospitals and GP will have very good councillor's who will talk to you and your little boy about this time when you will be receiving treatment and recovering. This is the hard time when it's all new but it gets better and the sun comes up and your life will get back to normal take care 

Jayne X 

Thank you.x

Anything you can do through play may help (pretend play models / toys). Some kids find it helpful/reassuring to have a doctors & hospital-type play set so they can act things out and parents can spot and address any misconceptions this way.

Mummy's Lump might be helpful https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/mummys_lump_2015_web.pdf 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnosis/talking-about-cancer/talking-to-children-and-teenagers

Marge Eaton Heegaard  "WhenSomeone Has a Very Serious Illness: Children Can Learn to Cope with Loss and Change (Drawing Out Feelings)" www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=mp_s_a_1_2