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Worried about young children's fears?

Page last modified on: August 20, 2008
Question from FJB: I worry about my young children. I want to show them how strong I am and that I am still the same old mom they know, but I tire easily, and they are very fearful that I won't be here for them. How can I get them through this?
Answers —Patricia Ganz, M.D.: This is a very common problem for women diagnosed with breast cancer, and more difficult for women with young children and many responsibilities. After breast cancer, most women want to put on a brave front, resume their activities, and assume that nothing has changed in their life when, in fact, they may have a change in their physical stamina and new emotional issues. It is important to reassure your children that you are there for them, but you may also need to let them know that your energy level hasn't recovered so that they will understand when you are tired and can't do what they want. This can be frustrating for children, but it is better to be realistic about what you can or cannot do.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: If you are tired and pale as a result of the treatment, don't let your family know this. They may assume the worst and think that your lack of energy and power are due to active cancer. Keeping the communication going will make things much easier for you. Not communicating regularly can make you and the people you care about feel isolated from each other.

On Wednesday, October 17, 2001, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Quality of Life. Patricia A. Ganz, M.D.,Marisa Weiss, M.D., answered your questions about how breast cancer can affect physical, emotional, social, and sexual aspects of your life.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Patricia A. Ganz, M.D.Patricia A. Ganz, M.D. is a medical oncologist and a professor in the schools of medicine and public health at UCLA, and is director of the division of cancer prevention and control research at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center there.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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