Mastectomy & kids

formybabes

Can anyone give me advice on how to explain my upcoming bilateral mastectomy to my 6 and 4 year old kids? I have told them some things but am looking for other ideas from some of you who may have been through this. Thx!

momof3boys

I have 3 boys, 16,9,7... I explained everything to our 16 year old, who is very mature and supportive. I explained just the bare basics to my younger boys. "I have a tumor in my breast, the doctors are going to take it out and make me better. I'll be in the hospital for 3-4 days and then I'll be home and I'll need you to snuggle with me until I feel better". I did not go into further detail than that (had BMX on 11/11/11) regarding surgery and they were fine. When I came home, they were so happy I was there, they never asked any questions about it.

Anonymous

I have a 5 and a 2 year old. I'm very honest with my 5 year old. I think. I told him that my booby was sick and the doctors had to take it so they could try to keep me from getting sick too. It's almost been 6 months since my left mastectomy and my 5 year old is fine. I am a actually having the right one done on Tuesday and I've already told him. He's ok with it. I also told him he would have to be very gentle with my surgery side. he still is.

He was very curious after my surgery and wanted to see the scar. I wasn't comfortable with showing him after surgery, mostly because I was very uncomfortable with its appearance. Now that I have accepted the look, he doesnt even care.

brcapooh

I have 2 boys, 9 and 11 years old. I was honest with them about the cancer and explained that I would have the cancer removed from my body. I didn't go into detail about a BMX, only said that I needed to take out some tissue from my breasts to get rid of the cancer. Since your kids are a bit younger (4 and 6), you may need to remind them to be more gentle with you after your surgery. Good luck!

M-Aug

I have three little ones, a six year old, four year old and a one year old. I explained to the two older ones that I had some yucky stuff that the doctors needed to take out and then I would have to take some medicine that might make my hair fall out. I worked in some Star wars references for my six year old. You know strom troopers blasting the bad guys etc...I was honestly so nervous about having this discussion but I worked it in at the right time and the most amazing thing is that my kids just said, Ok, mommy. My daughter actually asked if she could wear scarves. They were so wonderful though surgery and treatment. I couldn't believe how adaptable they were. I thank God often that they are so young. We have such an amazing bond. That's how it worked out for me. Sending hugs your way. Please keep us posted