I feel sad that this happened. And I'm confused why it
happened to me. Is it normal to feel like this? Is there
anything that can help?
You might have had lots of different feelings since you
were told that you have cancer. Some kids feel scared,
worried, angry, sad or confused. Some days you might
feel one way. Another day you might feel different. There
is no right or wrong way to feel. It helps to be able
to talk about your feelings with a grownup or a friend.
You can talk with your parents, grandparents, aunts or
uncles, teachers, sister or brother, or the people at
the hospital taking care of you. Everyone wants to help
you feel better.
How did I get cancer, anyways?
Did I catch it from someone?
Cancer is not like a cold
or flu. You did not catch cancer from anyone. You
can't give cancer to anyone else either. No one knows
why kids get cancer. We do know you didn't do anything
wrong.
I don't really understand what is going on, but I don't
want to look stupid. How can I find out more about my
cancer?
If you have questions about having cancer - ASK! You can
ask your doctors or nurses at the hospital. You can talk
with your mom or dad or another grownup you trust. If
they don't know the answer to the questions you have,
they will find out. There is no such thing as a silly
or dumb question!
What's school going to be like? Will everyone
know what is going on?
School is important so you can keep learning new things.
Kids with cancer can still go to school, as long as you
are feeling OK. Before you go back to school, your mom
or dad will probably talk with your teacher or school
nurse to let them know what has been happening. You might
want your friends or kids in your class to know that
you have cancer, or you might not. Talk with your parents
and tell them how you feel about this.
Can I still do all the things I used to do, like
sports and music lessons?
Sometimes having cancer
will make it hard to do all the things you like to
do. But your doctor and nurses can help you keep
up with the activities that you really like. Lots
of kids with cancer still play instruments, play
sports, and have fun. Hanging out with your family
and friends are also good things to do.
Do you have a list of websites,
books, and other resources on helping
kids cope?
Information Finder
on Helping Kids Cope
You may also be interested in
other topics:
Revised 2008
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