Feb 17, 2016 11:33PM Tresjoli2 wrote:
so...I have a three year old. She was two when I was diagnosed. I also have a 9yo. First off, you can do this! Second, use your resources. If you call the American cancer society, they have great articles on how to share in an age appropriate way. The social worker at your hospital probably also has great books and resources for how to tell kids. Mine did. I waited until I knew my treatment plan before I said anything. I told my daughter I had a boo boo and the doctor had to give me medicine to make it better. I warned her the medicine would make my hair fall out, but I made a joke out of it. " can u believe that mommys medicine has to make her sick so she can get better? Crazy!" I made it silly, and that made her feel safe. I let her pick out my scarves each day for my head so she felt like she had an important job to do each day
There is also a practical side to this. I started teaching my daughter how to climb into the car seat all by herself. I taught her how to climb onto the change table, and put the change table next to her bed. I bought a large play fence so I could set her safely inside when I needed to rest. I put drinks in a low drawer in the fridge and taught her how to get a juice box on her own. You won't be able to lift after surgery. I trained her to rest her head on my "good side" not my " port side".
Just do the best you can. She ate too many chicken nuggets. She watched too much tv. We stayed in bed all day sometimes. I would drag toys into bed with us.
i won't lie. It was hard. It was actually harder for her than for my older child, because he could ask questions and understand the answers. She couldn't, but you will make it work mama! You will be amazed at how you rise to the occasion. Hugs. Pm me anytime!