9/14/24 - Sharing with Gavin & Garrett
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The Berndt Family
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The Berndt Family
*If you're kiddos are friends with the boys, this information may be coming home to you today. Garrett has been very open since telling him and has shared that "His Mom has Cancer and is going to lose her hair". We decided we're just letting them process this however they need to and not put any boundaries up.
Matt and I sat down with the boys on Saturday. They know I've been sick and that we've been working with doctors to figure out exactly what is going on.
Matt and I sat down with the boys on Saturday. They know I've been sick and that we've been working with doctors to figure out exactly what is going on.
We shared that on Friday, our doctor confirmed that Mommy has Ovarian Cancer. We talked about what that means, where it is in my body, and what we'll be doing to make sure Mommy gets better.
We know Cancer is a scary word, so we talked about our friends and family members who are survivors. This helped them realize how many people beat cancer.
We focused on being open, honest, and talked about how each of us was feeling. We also emphasized the importance of sitting down and talking about big feelings or questions that may arise.
I told them I asked the doctor if I was going to live, and she said YES. So while they have both shared being scared that I might die, we just keep focusing on what the doctor said and that they see patients like Mommy all the time.
They are sad but handling things well. Garrett is very mad I will be losing my hair. Same, Garrett, same.
Comments
Monica Berndt
She recommended having a "Worry Time" or "Mommy Time" that involves sitting down as a family a few times a week to talk about what you're worried about or questions you have. She noted that you should pick a neutral place in the home, not their bed or bedrooms, so it doesn't become a place of anxiety. She also said to not do it at bedtime so it's not the last thing they are thinking before they go to bed.
She also said they might enjoy going shopping with me for a "Chemo Bag." This could include things like blankets, books, or socks that will make it more comfortable. Just like adults, they want to feel like they are helping too. I just loved her perspective and recommendations and wanted to share.
Susanne Nicholson