How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting
Teaching Your Kids to Deal with Disappointment
I know that one of my jobs as a parent is to teach her how to deal with disappointment – but not like this; this isn’t what I had in mind. We should be working on learning how to gracefully accept that she gets what she gets for dinner, and not necessarily a doughnut. We […]
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting Series: Stephanie’s Story
Just because you look ok on the outside- it doesn’t mean you are ok on the inside. Cancer is not like strep. You are not better in 5 days. It can take awhile (even years) until you are ok.
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Cambria Dodd Russell’s Story
Long term, I worry about a recurrence, about dying, about leaving my husband with 2 boys to raise on his own. I hope though, that this was just another experience among many in their childhoods. It will, no doubt, impact them. I don’t want it to dominate them though.
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Janna Thompson’s Story
I have been on both sides of the fence… having cancer and watching a person I love go through it. At times I do not know which is worse. Be as open and honest as possible. Try and laugh about it some of the quirky side effects etc. Laughter is amazing medicine and lets your partner know that it’s okay to laugh
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Angela Bass’ Story
No one understands the constant fears that are always in the back of your mind. Every ache, cough, pain may be a sign that the beast is back.
Just because you have completed treatment, it’s never really over.
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Karey Gauthier’s Story
Cancer is a medical diagnosis, not an identity. It colors who you are just as any major experience would, be it pregnancy, pets, kids, diabetes, etc. However, it does not define you or your future.
For loved ones, give offers of help, but be specific. Patients don’t have the capacity to figure out what would be helpful most of the time. If you plan to do something in honor of the person, ask first if they are comfortable with that. I had a family member walk in my honor twice and make a big deal about it and want me there. I felt like a prize pig on display and it felt awful.
Cancer showed up with surprises: Sonya Davis’ Story
Sonya Davis shares her experience as a breast cancer survivor, and as the child of a breast cancer survivor.
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Kathy Stokes’ Story
I’m divorced but asked my ex to be there to tell the kids. That was a big support mechanism in the sense of “we’re fighting this as a family.” Humor works really well with my kids. It opens them up. Eg, at dinner, daughter asks, “Dad, can I have another chicken breast?” shortly after my surgery. Then she turned to me and said, “Sorry, mom.” And I said, “That’s ok. I’ll have two!” Laughter all around.
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Becky E’s Story
Recurrence is a real fear and something that comes up a lot. Help to keep me smiling and laughing and I’ll do the same for you!
How to Juggle Cancer and Parenting: Roxanne Haller’s Story
Have faith, take care of yourself, allow others to help you. Let go of the idea of the perfect house and perfect parenting. You can only be a parent if you are alive to do it…so take care of your health. Find people you trust, whether through churches or schools whom you trust to help you take care of your children when you aren’t well enough. Be honest with your children, but try not to burden them with adult worries.