Jennifer,

I cannot comment on the surgery but I can certainly tell you about the kids.

TELL HER THE TRUTH! I do not mean that you need to overwhelm her with things that she won't understand.

I have 2 sons 8 and 11.... From the beginning I have told them what this means. They know that they could loose their father. They know that he is very sick. They are a little young to really understand it all but my husband and I decided that it was best to tell them the truth. He told the boys that no matter what happens that they should always know that he loves them.

This has been extremely difficult on our children. I had to get our youngest into therapy last week because he got really angry at me and threw his backpack at me.

This is a family struggle and I know there is a tendancy to want to protect those we love. Just know that we are not protecting them when we leave them in the dark and when we are not honest about the turns that happen in life.

Dig deep and you will find that you know the right things to say. She will cope so long as you help her. Tell the truth and try to explain as best as you know how. Also help her to find outlets where she can explore the feelings that she cannot share with you.

None of us knows what is going to happen. Cancer brings death to the forefront of your thoughts. That cannot be avoided. But you can take the moment to explain it too her and to hold her as much as you can. Love knows no boundaries, even in death. That is what you make sure she knows no matter what happens.


Best of luck!

Cindy