It's so hard to have cancer and little kids. But they manage much better than you would think. They need to understand what is happening, and who will look after them while you're getting better. A hospital social worker can help you with developmentally appropriate language ❤️
It's so hard to have cancer and little kids. But they manage much better than you would think. They need to understand what is happening, and who will look after them while you're getting better. A hospital social worker can help you with developmentally appropriate language ❤️
@CaitlinPacific !0 years ago, when my mother was ready to give up from the pain of chemotherapy, I reminded her that her strength in continuing her fight gave all her children and grandchildren strength. I don't know if it made a difference, but she's still with us. Sending blessings.
My mom had a series of major health problems, including sarcoidosis and an acoustic neuroma, before ultimately dying of a glioblastoma. This took place when I was 13 to 20 years old. Throughout, she kept things pretty secret. I didn’t even know she was having brain surgery until she was in the OR to have her acoustic neuroma out; I learned this moments before taking a biology final exam at age 18. I believed the lie that it was “a tumor of the inner ear.” It would have been better if she’d been honest with me. It didn’t help to let the information drip out slowly. It also compromised my ability to empathize with her. I was busy trying to come out as gay at the time and was too focused on my own needs. I regret that I didn’t know that in the background she was grappling with a brain tumor.
@CaitlinPacific My daughter has a genetic mutation, and one of our bumbs was a spot on her kidney that was potential cancer. She was so worried but so brave. She was determined to smile because she wanted to make me feel better.
@CaitlinPacific When I was 4 (1984) my mom had a double mastectomy. I sat on her hospital bed eating jello and learned what is cancer. She lived 20 more years, mostly with cancer and a degrading body, but I was lucky. I learned so much about life and death at a young age and I am better for it.
@CaitlinPacific It's INCREDIBLE to me how amazing these kids are. I'll never forget Cassidy, an 11yo who wound up dying while I took care of her in residency. She was concerned about US - she was sad that we were sad. I'll never forget her. And there are many more just like her.
@CaitlinPacific You are fuckin’ powerful. I’m glad you’re here.
@CaitlinPacific You are awesome to share your cancer journey publicly. Your story has been such a support to me since my cancer surgery. I think I’ve read everything you’ve written in the Atlantic about your experience. Your resilience, especially, helped me. Hugs.
@CaitlinPacific @Cernovich Kids with cancer are resilient.