Rectal-Colon Cancer - Cancer: Colon Message Board

Duffie1 · 11-09-2007, 11:46 AM

How do you talk to the children ages 16 to 9 about their very ill parent?

sammi2 · 11-12-2007, 10:53 AM

I'm sorry you have not had a reply. I'm not qualified to answer your question but I know it would be a difficult situation. I am one that doesn't tell my family a lot until I have to. I wouldn't want to worry them but I wouldn't want them hearing it from someone else. You are in my thoughts, let us know what you decide.

West Coast Girl · 11-12-2007, 12:43 PM

My thoughts - I would imagine children of these ages are probably already aware that something is wrong. Maybe they should be asked if they have any questions and given honest answers. It would lighten everyone's load and allow the whole family to feel connected.

cptmac · 11-16-2007, 12:55 PM

I was 16 when I found out my mother had breast cancer. My parents were always open about talking about health issues, even though we didn't want to hear boring conversations when we were young.

Because my mother isn't originally from this country, I've always gone to Dr.'s appointments with her. This was even more true when she got cancer. She understands English very well, unless she gets sick. I learned how the health care system and insurance works very well at a very young age. This served me well, so that when I found out I had Stage IV cc cancer and my insurance company refused to pay for everything (even a mammogram which is supposed to be 100% covered) I knew the process of getting them to pay for my whole treatment. I knew what clinical trials were and the whole process wasn't as scary for me, nor were doctors, as they may be for other people.