New to Board and Need Advice
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| Mon, 11-26-2007 - 11:20am |
Hello all,
I am new to the Board, but have lurked for a few weeks. My dear grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer about six weeks ago. She also has some tumors in her brain. She has finished her first round of radiation treatment, and will be evaluated in a few weeks to determine whether she can start chemo. She'll be 84 this coming Sunday.
My question is how to discuss her condition with my daughter, who is six. She knows that Nan is sick and that doctors are helping her. She also knows that the medicine makes Nan feel bad sometimes. I haven't actually told her that Nan has cancer. We have a good friend who lost her father to cancer last year, and my daughter knows this. I'm not sure how to balance telling her the truth and keeping her optimistic. We plan to go see my grandmother for her birthday and she has lost her hair from the radiation treatments so I want to address it soon. Also, of course I get upset sometimes, as does my Mom who lives close to us. My daughter is very close to her. I know that I need to explain this to my daughter, but I'm not sure how.
Does anyone have any advice on discussing cancer with young kids? Or know of any books that I could share with her?
Everyone on this Board is so supportive. I plan to suggest to my Mom that she start checking it out.
Thanks.
Becky
DD Vivienne 10/11/2001, DS Wyatt 6/12/2007

I would love to hear this advice too!
Here are some books that you could look into getting.
Hi Becky,
When I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003, my youngest daughter had just turned 7 a few days before.
I saw your request for help in explaining your grandmother's cancer to your six year old daughter.