Newly diagnosed with dcis breast cancer with a 12 year old son who is struggling.

Hi, gosh this must be so difficult. Macmillan has some resources that you might find helpful, I’ve attached a link here for you. Best wishes

Telling children about cancer

Thanks, that was really helpful. 

DCIS is very treatable so you could let him know that you’ve been lucky they found it at this stage and prognosis is very good. I was also diagnosed with high grade DCIS. Treatment was mastectomy and radiotherapy ( no chemo). Try stay positive. Sending hugs.xx

Goodness. I have two grown up children and I didn't tell them anything until I had all the information myself. in fact, after I found my lump and my GP said it didn't feel like anything to worry about (she was wrong) I didn't even tell my husband I was going to the clinic.

Your child is 12, and your kind of cancer is early, treatable and curable. I would personally avoid all the details and just tell him that mummy will be absolutely fine after a bit of treatment.

I didn't tell him anything with the initial investigations however very unfortunately on the day of diagnosis his school finished early and he had to meet us at the hospital so he was already asking questions about why I was there. I have told him that while cancer is a scary word I have one that can be treated because we have caught it early. I have not gone into full details about anything but enough for him to know that I will be going to hospital a bit more and that I won't be able to do things at home the way I usually do soon. It means a change to how he gets to school which could make him late sometimes and he doesn't want to get a detention for being late so for him it's more about how what is happening is going to practically affect him. Hopefully I have put his mind at rest now that I have spoken to his headteacher. 

Thanks. I have been reassured about the type of cancer it is but unfortunately at 12 he has limited understanding of how cancer can have very different outcomes for different people and types. I'm just leaning towards answering his questions in as simple as a way as possible that is also truthful. 

Fully understand. It’s hard explaining to kids, even grown up ones. Once you have your treatment plan and things are moving it’ll get a bit easier. Try not to worry too much. Enjoy the little things. Xxx