Breast Cancer: Children Support

TBS Editor's Note: As a six year old I lost my mom to heart disease. First she was confined to her room and I was scolded for making any noise lest I disturb her. The she disappeared and went to the hospital. At the time (early 60's) I was not allowed to visit the hospital because of my age. Once I was allowed to stand in the parking lot and wave at a shadowy figure that was suppose to be my mom. Then, she died. Not a single adult had the courage to allow me to grieve that loss. Instead, we didn't talk about it. Mom was a daily constant in my life and then just like that she wasn't. It took me years to piece the results of that loss together.

Talk to your kids. They already know something is going on because they are picking up on your changed mood and anxiety level. The Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization (www.y-me.org) offers a detailed page of what to say to your kids and it is broken down in different age brackets. If you are in a support group check to see if other members have children the same age as you and see if you can arrange a play date. Kids can often be a wonderful source of support for each other.

As you learn more about your condition continue updating your children. And try to give them as much love and attention as you have energy for.