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Okay for child to go to support group too?

Page last modified on: August 15, 2008
Question from lizzygirl: My mom goes to a support group now that she is in chemo. I've told her I'd like to go with her. I'm 10. She doesn't want me to. Am I wrong in wanting to go? If not, what could I say to her?
Answers —Joan Hermann, L.S.W.: The child needs to know that the support group that Mom goes to is for other patients, and that she probably wouldn't feel really comfortable being in a room with a lot of women talking about their breast cancer. I would suggest that the mom talk to the hospital social worker or the oncology team about whether there are groups available for children whose parents are sick. These groups are much more common than they were before.
Marisa Weiss, M.D., president and founder: If your mother doesn't bring you to the support group there may be other places that she can include you easily, like bringing you to chemotherapy or the radiation department, or a follow-up examination. It's so nice and supportive of you to want to help your mother in this way.

On Wednesday, August 16, 2000, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Kids and Mom's Breast Cancer. Joan Hermann, L.S.W. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about talking to your kids about breast cancer.

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

Joan Hermann, L.S.W. is the director of social work services at the renowned Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

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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