What to tell teens

My partner is on 2 cancer pathways at the moment - melanoma and bowel cancer. He has a gastoprophy, colonoscopy and CT scan booked for a Saturday afternoon later this month. 
We have an 18 year old in the middle of her A Levels, and a 15 year old. Due to the stuff he has to do before the colonoscopy, and the fact the appointment is on a Saturday, they’re going to spot someone is going on. I want to protect them as long as possible as they’re both real worriers anyway, and especially as my daughter doing exams at the moment, what and how much do I tell them?

Obviously we don’t want to lie but until we have some firm news, is it better to mislead them?

Parents
  • My thought are with you all...such a difficult time but in my opinion from a personal complex medical history while having 2 teenage sons....be open and  honest with your family...explain what is happening in an open and frank way..be reassuring but honest..important to give them the facts, not to over complicate what's going on..and again resist saying 'everything will be ok ' 

    Obviously a good outcome is what everyone is hoping for  but truth...you don't have firm diagnosis and it's important to keep them informed every step of the way..with as much information as you feel comfortable sharing  with them,  along with respecting how much they 'want' to hear or can absorb..

    Such a difficult time but I'm sure they are already aware that something is different in the home...

    Sending positive wishes to you all..

Reply
  • My thought are with you all...such a difficult time but in my opinion from a personal complex medical history while having 2 teenage sons....be open and  honest with your family...explain what is happening in an open and frank way..be reassuring but honest..important to give them the facts, not to over complicate what's going on..and again resist saying 'everything will be ok ' 

    Obviously a good outcome is what everyone is hoping for  but truth...you don't have firm diagnosis and it's important to keep them informed every step of the way..with as much information as you feel comfortable sharing  with them,  along with respecting how much they 'want' to hear or can absorb..

    Such a difficult time but I'm sure they are already aware that something is different in the home...

    Sending positive wishes to you all..

Children
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