Comments on: Breast Cancer — What Do I Tell My Teen?

By: Jennifer@ breast cancer help

Jennifer@ breast cancer help — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 07:28:11 +0000

I think Haley is right — Celia should tell.
He is 15 and he will understand.
Also — she should try and get support .

By: Larry

Larry — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 12:09:50 +0000

Amen to that. Celia should not only tell her son, she should be in touch with breast cancer support groups. The breast cancer community is one of the most supportive and active for those with the cancer and those who are close to them.
In fact her son’s reaction to the sad news may actually hearten and encourage her (I know what I’m talking about here. My mother had breast cancer, and she too was estranged from my father. When she told me, I was devastated — I was 18 — but I learned how to support her during bad times. That was 18 years ago, and she’s now fine. A true survivor in every sense of the term!).

By: Joelle

Joelle — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:25:15 +0000

As a fellow masectomy survivor, my heart goes out to Celia. From my experience as a mother to teens, I can promise you that Judy has given you excellent advice. However, you should try to find help from other survivors as well. I know from experience it’s not easy to swallow your pride and acknowledge neediness, but trust me, if you join a really good support group, you’ll benefit. And you’ll also find you end up helping others in the group — and elsewhere. It’s a great feeling. Sharing is the only gift that keeps on giving.

By: Belinda

Belinda — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:59:44 +0000

Celia should also speak to her son’s teacher and other people in authority at school or in an organization he belongs to, such as church or scouts. He should not be expected to be a full time carer for his mother, the other frameworks should know what he is facing and help him cope. Moreover, these adults will assist him in deciding how and if to inform his friends.

By: Haley

Haley — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:12:36 +0000

Any 15-year-old with a TV set knows about breast cancer, especially metastasized cancer — and understands the implications. The kid is, without a doubt, imagining the worst. Celia should be honest with him. She doesn’t have to spell everything out, but she should let him in on her issues. He will never forgive her if she doesn’t.

By: Mary Linn

Mary Linn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:09:25 +0000

To answer this question properly, it is important to know if there are other adults around, e.g. grandparents, aunts and uncles, who may be able to run the errands and clean house.