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How to explain chemo, hair loss to daughter?

Page last modified on: October 9, 2008
Question from Website Question: How can I explain chemotherapy to my 7-year-old daughter? What should I tell her about losing my hair?
Answer —Paula Rauch, M.D.: Often parents describe chemotherapy as a "special strong medicine" that kills the breast cancer cells. Because breast cancer cells can be fast growing cells, the same medicine can affect other fast growing cells, like the cells that make Mom's hair grow. One way to think about losing hair is that it's a reminder of what a good job the chemotherapy is doing.

On Wednesday, May 17, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Talking with Kids about Breast Cancer. Paula Rauch, M.D. and Tamara Shulman, Ph.D., F.A.A.C.P. answered your questions about specific ways to support your kids while you undergo treatment, and different communication strategies for helping your kids to feel secure during a time of uncertainty.

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

Paula K. Rauch, M.D.Paula K. Rauch, M.D. is a child psychiatrist on the Harvard Medical School faculty and practices at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She founded and directs the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center parenting program known as Parenting At a Challenging Time (PACT).

Tamara Shulman, Ph.D., FAACPTamara Shulman, Ph.D., F.A.A.C.P. is a clinical psychologist based in the New York City area who works with adults, adolescents, and children deal with the crisis of serious illness.

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