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Why did my brother get cancer?
Did I do something? We fight a lot.
You did not make your brother get cancer.
No one in your family did anything to
make your brother sick. Having a fight
or thinking something mean does not cause
cancer. We do not know what causes cancer.
There are many scientists and doctors
trying to figure that out, but we do
know it is not because of anything someone
does or says.
Can I catch cancer?
You can't catch cancer like a cold or
the flu. You can hug, and play and sit
close to your brother or sister. You
will not get sick.
My sister has cancer and it makes me
so mad! It is ok to feel this way?
You might have lots of different feelings. Some kids feel scared, worried, angry,
sad or confused. There is no right or wrong way to feel. It helps to talk about
your feelings with a grownup or a friend.
My brother has a blood cancer,
and I don't know what that means. I feel dumb asking about it, but I want to
know what's going on. What can I do?
Ask questions about cancer.
There is no such thing as a silly or
dumb question! You can ask your mom or
dad, or another grownup you trust. Some
kids talk to the nurse at school. You
might want to come to the hospital with
your brother. You can meet the people
who take care of him. You can ask them
questions too!
What's going to happen at school? Do
I have to go? Will everyone bug me about
how my sister is feeling?
Kids go to school. That
is your job. It is important
to keep going to school even
if your sister is sick. Your
sister will also try to go to
school (if they are old enough)
as much as they can. Your parents
will tell someone at school what
is happening in your family.
They might talk to your teacher,
principal or school nurse. You
might want the kids in your class
to know your sister is sick,
or you might not. Talk to your
parents and tell them how you feel about
this. If you are having a hard day, it
helps to have someone you can talk to
at school.
I know my brother has to be at the
hospital a lot. But, I play soccer and I
really like it. Can I still play and do all
the stuff I like to do?
You might be worried that your brother's
cancer will make it hard for you do your
activities. Sometimes your mom or dad
will be at the hospital with your brother.
They might miss a soccer game or a school
show. Talk to your parents. Usually there
are other people who can give you a ride
or watch your game. Your parents will
try very hard to come with you, but sometimes
they may need help. Making a calendar
can help your family plan all the things
that are going on.
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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