What’s Chemo, Mommy?

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  Posted By: Joey B. @ 10/29/2007 11:12:41 PM

  Living with cancer is like having a full time job. Having scans is like constantly dodging bullets. No one can comprehend the magnitude of life with cancer unless they are either living it or living with someone who has it. Raising children while trying to live a normal life under abnormal circumstances is challenging. Children are the life inspiring antidotes to the poisonous chemicals of the chemo. I would have a hard time getting through my cancer without having the unconditional love of my child.

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  Posted By: ChrisE @ 10/25/2007 11:45:49 PM

  The hardest thing my husband and I had to do was tell our three girls (ages 7-6-2) that their daddy's cancer came back. It was very hard trying to explain to them 11 months earlier that their dad was going to loose his arm. We told them this was the only way the doctors could help him and get rid of his cancer. So when we first got the report from his doctors at MGH I immediately called the Cancer Center. At such a desparate time in my life Dr. Paula Rauch made things a bit calmer . My husband and I feel so fortunate to be getting not only his complete medical care at MGH but our family got the guidance and support we needed through the PACT Program (Parenting at a Challenging Time). Dr. Rauch was a wonderful resource. She talked about what we should tell our daughters in a way that was developmentally appropriate for them. What I remember most was her telling me that young children need consistency. I truly feel that by having my daughters stay in their daily routine and be with friends and family they were always with kept them from becoming too anxious. Another bit of advice Dr. Rauch gave me was to talk with my daughter's classroom teachers. It was important for them to know what was going on with their dad's treatments so they could watch for any changes in their behaviors at school.
  I also hope that more cancer centers begin to focus on the family and provide the support that they need.
  
  Cancer is a horrific disease that does effects the entire family. In the eyes of a child it is very frightening to know that their parent is sick. At the same time I was frightened not knowing how I was going to care for my husband and also care for my three little girls. The PACT Program at MGH gave me the resources to be able to do both!

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  Posted By: marciac100 @ 10/19/2007 2:12:24 PM

  I think the point of the story is not just a quick question on what is chemo. Its about love and family and children and how to explain to them about cancer . Their little minds are thinking all kinds of things. Its horrible to watch people go through treatment and to have someone post a comment like that is just so wrong. I thought the article was informative and I'm sure it will help many people.