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Title: Coping with Cancer and Family Changes as a Single Parent

Community Member

6 months ago

I was diagnosed at 36 with stage 4 crc, 6 years ago. I am a single parent household to 7 children. A lot of my children have graduated high school and have moved out from our apartment and either gone to the military or left home to live with his now wife and her parents. One of my youngest of the oldest 5 left with my son and his wife- this entire situation was very hard for him to deal with and i didnt stop him from leaving. He was becoming toxic and that was not an ideal place to try to continue to survive cancer and chemo. I have 3 adult children in the army. One of those adults took a savings acct with money to help with groceries, back to school clothes, emergencies, etc. I helped her as much as I could because she ended up pregnant, and when I was no longer able to physically help because i was extremely tired due to the chemo, I was no linger useful to her so she sent away her son/ my first grandbabe to go live with her inlaws in a different state on the other side of the country and cut off all communication. She only calls now when she feels like being ugly to me. I dont even answer her calls anymore. So in reality, i only speak to 2 of my adult children, and i take care of my 2 teenaged children at home with me. I dont speak about what is happening with this cancer anymore. I just keep it to myself.

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Accepted Answer

Managing cancer while being a single parent brings unique challenges, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when family relationships become strained during such a difficult time. The isolation that can come from keeping health struggles private, combined with changes in family dynamics, creates an incredibly heavy burden. This community understands these complex emotions, and sharing experiences with other parents facing similar situations can provide valuable perspective and support during this journey.

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Community Member

5 months ago

Aww Dear Zenna You sound like an amazing mother and caregiver. You did all you could. All your children should be supporting you now during this difficult challenging time. But in reality some kids are just takers My only daughter is supportive thank God. But you cannot deal with any toxicity it will derail your health. Stick with people in your community and relatives that will lift you up. You are still here after 6 years so you will make it if you concentrate or yourself first now. I take care of my 91 years old mom and my 14 year old granddaughter so I know about caregiving for the people that really appreciate it and lift us up

Community Member

4 months ago

I am so sorry for all you are going thru. Its bad enough to go thru cancer or your family problems but both at same time is crazy Maybe you should write a book or at least journal. My motto is always one I. foot in front of the other just get thru each day. I think we need more help then that now. It all gets stuffed down which is not good. So please live your life and be happy

Community Member

2 months ago

You shouldn't keep it to yourself it hurts them harder if they don't know I had to break it down to my kids also I have seven kids and 16 grandkids and me telling them was the hardest thing to do so I do understand where you're coming from but in the long run they need to understand what's going on you shouldn't carry that all by yourself but if you need someone to talk talk to I'm here for talk her but keep fighting stay strong to

Community Member

2 months ago

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Title: Coping with Cancer and Family Changes as a Single Parent

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