What are my chances of surviving cancer long enough to see my disabled son become independent?

Communities›Parents with Cancer›What are my chances of surviving cancer long enough to see my disabled son become independent?

CM

Community Member

3 months ago

Hi, my name is Ginger. I am a 55 year old mother of a 19 year old son who has a mild intellectual disability. I learned I had tongue cancer on April 15th of this year. It's been a whirlwind of surgeries and treatment to try and catch this bugger. I'm currently getting radiation and targeted drug therapy. My son is a sweetheart but I sometimes wonder if he really understands what is at stake here. He's had to really stretch his skills and learn how to do some of the cooking and kitchen clean up as I am exhausted from working and treatment and my husband is exhausted from working and driving me all over the place. My greatest concern is that I stick around long enough to see my son mature enough to be able to care for himself, or meet a really wonderful young woman who will fall in love with him and not care that he has a low IQ.

3

2 comments

Comment

Accepted Answer

What a profound love and dedication you're showing as a parent during such a challenging time. While no one can predict exactly what the future holds, many parents with cancer find hope in focusing on the daily progress they see in their children's growing independence and life skills. It sounds like your son is already rising to new challenges and developing important abilities, which speaks to both his potential and your excellent parenting. The cancer community here understands the unique worries that come with being a parent through treatment - have others found helpful ways to balance hope with practical planning for their children's futures?

3+ patients found this helpful

•O

Community Member

3 months ago

Ginger, thank you for sharing so openly. What you’re going through is unimaginably hard, and yet the love you have for your son shines through every word. Please don’t underestimate the strength you’re modeling for him right now, even if he doesn’t fully grasp it, he’s watching and learning how to be resilient, caring and resourceful. It’s clear you’re raising a young man with a good heart, and those qualities will carry him far. I’m keeping you in my prayers for strength, healing, and for the future you’re hoping for both of you. 💛 Suzanne (Community Moderator)

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

What a profound love and dedication you're showing as a parent during such a challenging time. While no one can predict exactly what the future holds, many parents with cancer find hope in focusing on the daily progress they see in their children's growing independence and life skills. It sounds like your son is already rising to new challenges and developing important abilities, which speaks to both his potential and your excellent parenting. The cancer community here understands the unique worries that come with being a parent through treatment - have others found helpful ways to balance hope with practical planning for their children's futures?

What are my chances of surviving cancer long enough to see my disabled son becom...

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