My husband has stage IV esophageal cancer and his prognosis isn't good. My...
Esophageal cancer presents a person with especially difficult physical challenges - changing the way a person eats, swallows, and even sleeps. This may make him much more sensitive to the disorder or...
View ArticleMy 6-year-old son is getting treatment for leukemia. He is getting so much...
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s a frightening time for the whole family. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for siblings to feel like their needs are being neglected. They may feel jealous,...
View ArticleMy 5-year-old nephew has lost an eye due to retinoblastoma. He has started...
When talking to children about a cancer diagnosis, it’s important to provide honest, age-appropriate answers. For instance, when the child asks if they were born with cancer, you can tell them that the...
View ArticleI have cancer and have been struggling to be a “normal” parent. My biggest...
Your question is one that we often hear. Without a doubt, cancer can impact your home life, and this disruption may cause a change in your children’s behaviors. Children want consistency and actually...
View ArticleThis is a hard time of year for us as my wife has cancer. Would you recommend...
When coping with a cancer diagnosis, families often experience a variety of changes and adjustments during the holidays and other significant events. Discussing and preparing for these changes with...
View ArticleI've been recently diagnosed and I'm not sure quite how to tell my kids. Is...
Disclosing a cancer diagnosis to children is never easy. It is common for parents to wonder whether their children will be better off not knowing about their diagnosis. However, children sense when...
View ArticleLast week I told my son that I had cancer and we have barely spoken about it...
As a caring parent you want to help your son understand what you are going through. Children want to know the facts and how they will be affected.Children, and especially teens, are mostly focused on...
View ArticleHow do I find financial help for a friend whose daughter has cancer (age 5)?
Families with children undergoing cancer treatment often face overwhelming financial costs. In addition to the medical costs, many parents find that their child’s intense treatment schedule can lead to...
View ArticleCan you advise on the best method of obtaining educational support for my...
It’s common for children who have been diagnosed with cancer at a young age to need specialized educational support during and/or after their treatment. This can be due to many factors including...
View ArticleHow do I tell my 5-year-old child that my mother-in-law has breast cancer?
I am sorry to hear of your mother-in-law’s diagnosis. Many adults struggle with how to tell children about a family member’s cancer in an age-appropriate way, and it is normal to have some anxiety...
View ArticleMy daughter is having separation anxiety now that she knows about my cancer....
Children who have a parent with cancer often experience separation anxiety. They may be reluctant to go to school or to a friend’s house, or they may be afraid when a parent has to leave them to go to...
View ArticleMy 7-year-old daughter is sure she did something to cause my cancer. What can...
It’s normal and expected for children to fear they have somehow caused a parent’s cancer. When children don’t understand something they sometimes use “magical thinking” –the belief that one can bring...
View ArticleI have a 14-year-old son who doesn't seem to want to talk about my cancer at...
Teens are at a stage in life when they are trying to develop their own identity, sense of self, and independence. Your son’s not wanting to talk about your cancer is a common reaction many teens have....
View ArticleAbout six months ago, my five-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia...
Children with cancer typically undergo an intense treatment schedule and their care can become a full-time job in itself for the parent or guardian. Unexpected expenses can range from uncovered...
View ArticleA teacher asked me (a school social worker) how to help an 8-year-old student...
Children who are diagnosed with cancer face unique challenges and adjustments. Parents, teachers and other caretakers often struggle with how to explain cancer and its effects. When speaking with this...
View ArticleI am seeking a support group for children under age 12 whose single mother is...
You should check with the mother’s treatment center to see if they provide a children’s support group. You can also contact your local affiliate of Cancer Support Community in order to get more...
View ArticleMy kids seem to be acting out more since I was diagnosed with cancer last...
Acting out is a common response that children have when a parent is diagnosed with cancer. Children will often act out in hopes to regain attention that they might feel is they are now lacking....
View ArticleMy best friend was diagnosed with cancer late last year. She has three kids,...
Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be extremely overwhelming, especially when paired with the responsibilities that come along with caring for a family. If you have a friend or family member who is...
View ArticleAre there books written specifically for children that can help them...
After talking to your child about a cancer diagnosis, books can be a helpful follow-up to encourage learning more about cancer, exploring feelings and asking questions. It can also be a nice...
View ArticleI've recently started treatment and I'm trying to find things that can help...
Children and teenagers experience a range of feelings after a loved one is diagnosed with cancer and it is common for parents to wonder how they can best support their children. While some teenagers...
View ArticleMy 12-year-old grandson has cancer. He’s in his second chemo cycle and his...
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge that as a grandparent, it’s natural for you to feel a connection to your grandson’s well-being, and witnessing him go through this challenging situation can be...
View ArticleAre there any resources available to assist families deliver a cancer...
A cancer diagnosis has a large impact on the entire family unit and it can be difficult to know how much information to share. When speaking with children about a cancer diagnosis or side effects there...
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