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
  • I think at the moment, you could just not mention cancer. The bowel issues at least could be many things and no point in emphasising the most serious possibility. 

    I think you could just explain that he's been having some problems with his bowels and is having some tests to find out what could be causing it. That isn't even misleading them, It's more accurate than saying he's being investigated for cancer, because cancer is only one possibility.

    The melanoma thing is a bit harder in a way, since the possibilities there really are cancer or fine.

Reply
  • I think at the moment, you could just not mention cancer. The bowel issues at least could be many things and no point in emphasising the most serious possibility. 

    I think you could just explain that he's been having some problems with his bowels and is having some tests to find out what could be causing it. That isn't even misleading them, It's more accurate than saying he's being investigated for cancer, because cancer is only one possibility.

    The melanoma thing is a bit harder in a way, since the possibilities there really are cancer or fine.

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