Hi CheshireCat

I am so sorry to hear about your best friend. No doubt this must be a very difficult time for you. I'm sure some of our members who have had experience of talking to children about dying with cancer will be around shortly to offer you their advice. 

In the meantime, we do have some information on our website about talking to children, which I hope you will find useful.

Best wishes,

Kirsty

Thank you, Kirsty. 

Hi Cheshire Cat

Just thought I would respond to your post as when my husband was initially diagnosed with terminal   cancer my grandson was just three. Three years later as my hubby approached his final days my eldest grandson was 6 and his brother just over a  year.  I think you will know best when and how to explain to your son how things are going,  My daughter and son in law put it all very simply in language he could understand. Basically grandad was poorly and the doctors could not make him better.From then on it was a day by day conversation, always truthful but not going into too much detail and then answering any questions he had.. My daughter informed his class teacher and when he became upset we talked it through.  When my husband died it was hard for everyone but we grieved together and did not hide our emotions from the boys.  It certainly is the hardest conversation to have  but children are sometimes more resilient that some adults I spoke to.  15mths on and we still talk openly about his grandad and at times still get upset together (no bad thing in my eyes).

I hope the information Kirsty highlighted for you helps and maybe others will come along and add their thoughts.  Jules54

Hi Jules54, thank you for your reply. I'm sorry to hear that you lost your husband. Unfortunately, this situation was taken out of my hands; my friend died yesterday. It was sooner than anyone expected but no doubt the best thing for her.

Thanks again x

Hello ChesireCat,

We are so sorry to hear your friend died yesterday. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. I hope your children are ok after this sad news.

Best wishes,

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi CheshireCat,

Sorry to read your update and know this will be a difficult period for her family and friends.  In the days to come the memories you hold in your heart  will I hope help. My condolences are sent with a virtual hug and hope you can all draw strength from each other at such a sad time.  Jules