Welcome to Cancer Chat, helen_vrl

I’m sorry to hear what your family is facing right now. It’s such a heavy situation for all of you, and it’s completely understandable that you’re trying to support your husband and your children while also dealing with your own feelings.

With your husband, sometimes the kindest support is simply giving him space to talk when he feels ready, or even just sitting together quietly when words are too much. Little practical things like helping with everyday tasks or suggesting a small walk may help.

With your children, especially your youngest, keeping the conversations simple and honest can help them understand what’s happening at a pace they can manage. I found this page from Maggie’s that might be useful as it gives  guidance on talking with children about cancer in a child-friendly way.

The other page I wanted to share comes from our website and addresses how to support someone who is caring for a loved one and how families can cope together.

Hopefully our members will come along shortly with more ideas and advice but until then stay strong and remember to be gentle with yourself as well - you are doing a lot while going through a very hard time.

Best wishes to you and your family,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator

Welcome to Cancer Chat, helen_vrl

I’m sorry to hear what your family is facing right now. It’s such a heavy situation for all of you, and it’s completely understandable that you’re trying to support your husband and your children while also dealing with your own feelings.

With your husband, sometimes the kindest support is simply giving him space to talk when he feels ready, or even just sitting together quietly when words are too much. Little practical things like helping with everyday tasks or suggesting a small walk may help.

With your children, especially your youngest, keeping the conversations simple and honest can help them understand what’s happening at a pace they can manage. I found this page from Maggie’s that might be useful as it gives  guidance on talking with children about cancer in a child-friendly way.

The other page I wanted to share comes from our website and addresses how to support someone who is caring for a loved one and how families can cope together.

Hopefully our members will come along shortly with more ideas and advice but until then stay strong and remember to be gentle with yourself as well - you are doing a lot while going through a very hard time.

Best wishes to you and your family,

Renata, Cancer Chat Moderator