CommunitiesRelationshipsHow Do I Tell My Teenage Sons About My Cancer Diagnosis?

How Do I Tell My Teenage Sons About My Cancer Diagnosis?

JT

Community Member

3 years ago

I was diagnosed about a month ago and have somehow avoided telling my teenage sons up to this point. I have surgery scheduled in a few days and so it is time. I’m scared of the trauma they may feel and am curious how others handled the conversation?

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Having these difficult conversations with teenagers requires honesty balanced with age-appropriate information, and many parents find it helpful to choose a quiet moment when there's time for questions and emotions. Consider sharing the basic facts about your diagnosis and upcoming surgery while emphasizing the support system in place, and remember that teenagers often handle challenging news better when they feel included and trusted with important family matters.

3+ patients found this helpful

KH

Community Member

6 months ago

I have a 22 year old mommas boy big time and when I was diagnosed I told him that I had it and that it wasn't going to matter in a year or two because I will get over this things will get messy at times but that just will show you how hard we fight in this family. I warned him of seeing me sick and without hair I went through all of it with him so that nothing took him off guard. I had breast cancer and a medical hysterectomy all in the same year so we had a lot of talks lol I think boys forget how bad asked moms are this helps remind them

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RB

Community Member

6 months ago

He need to know I have a grandson 17th And he had a hard time with it but we talk about it and we are closer W

MM

Community Member

6 months ago

@Jasmine, I was diagnosed in Oct, I have yet to disclose to my adult son... he's a momma's boy. I'm scheduled for surgery in December, so I know that I will have to have the conversation soon.🙏🏽

KM

Community Member

6 months ago

Oh mama I feel you! My teenage daughter was going through a lot of her own drama when I was diagnosed and I was really worried about adding my cancer to everything else she was dealing with. Does your cancer center have a social worker on staff? My husband and I scheduled time with her and she helped guide the conversation with my daughter. It went better than I could have ever done on my own. Hugs.

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CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Having these difficult conversations with teenagers requires honesty balanced with age-appropriate information, and many parents find it helpful to choose a quiet moment when there's time for questions and emotions. Consider sharing the basic facts about your diagnosis and upcoming surgery while emphasizing the support system in place, and remember that teenagers often handle challenging news better when they feel included and trusted with important family matters.

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