Online forums for kids of parents diagnosed with cancer

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wandawoman
wandawoman Member Posts: 25
edited November 2015 in Life After Breast Cancer

Don't really know if this is the correct place to post this....I was diagnosed in 2013 with stage 1 breast cancer. My 15 year old daughter now has tremendous anxiety related to cancer and dying. She is very opposed to my finding a group environment with children of similar age for her to go to. I am hoping that someone knows of a site similar to breastcancer.org for children of people diagnosed with cancer where maybe she can talk about her fears in what she sees as a safe environment. If anyone knows of anything out there that may fit my needs, please pass along. Many thanks....

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited November 2015

    Oh, Wandawoman, it hurts to see how this cancer stuff affects our kids. Have you reached out to the social worker at your hospital? I know mine has a program for children and teens, and they will also talk with them one-to-one. It's not surprising that a teen would be reluctant to join a group. Individual therapy is also an option, especially with someone who treats anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy, with or without medication, could help your teen work through this. And maybe a therapist would know of a good online support group.

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  • wandawoman
    wandawoman Member Posts: 25
    edited November 2015

    Thanks ShetlandPony...I'm working on getting her onboard with the idea of an individual counselor. The teenage years are tough, add in cancer and its a most difficult situation.Just wishing I could make it all go away.

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited November 2015

    Yup. But you are here to help her with this.

    You know your teen best. Maybe frame it something like this? "Let's go meet this lady, and see if you like her." "Would you be willing to have two meetings and then tell me what you think?" "If you don't think this person is a good match we will look for another." "You don't have to live with this anxiety. Therapy has been proven to work."

    And how about a book? Do you think this is PTSD? Did your teen or family tend toward anxiety even before cancer? A good book that outlines a way to feel better and explains the benefit of getting a therapist on board to help could open the door.

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