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Support groups for kids?

Page last modified on: October 8, 2008
Question from Lizzy: I have completed chemo and radiation therapy for breast cancer. My 8 year old daughter is now acting out and having problems in school. She has seen a psychiatrist and had medicine prescribed. However, that hasn't helped. Are there support groups for kids?
Answers —Jennifer Armstrong, M.D.: It sounds like you and your family have been through a lot. There are support groups for kids. Breastcancer.org has more information on these support groups. Kudos to you for recognizing these issues and seeking help for your daughter. I encourage you to discuss with your child's psychiatrist, especially if you feel the treatment is not currently helping. It can be difficult to sort out problems in childhood and family experiences. Sometimes counseling for the entire family (and the one person for whom help was originally sought) can be helpful. Again, some of these issues were touched upon in last month's conference, and I encourage you to read through the transcript from the Coping with Your Changing Feelings and Relationships Conference. But hang in there. Your daughter is lucky to have such an involved parent and attentive mom. Be sure to attend next month's Breastcancer.org conference, which is Talking with Kids about Breast Cancer.
Lynn Schuchter, M.D.: It may be worth mentioning this to your medical oncologist as there may be new resources in the oncologist's office that could be helpful. Sometimes there are psychologists or social workers with specific expertise that may be able to work with you or your child. Breast cancer really affects the whole family, so support from many avenues can be helpful.

On Wednesday, April 19, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Young Women and Breast Cancer. Lynn Schuchter, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. answered your questions about the special concerns of young women who have been diagnosed with 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

Schuchter, LynnLynn Schuchter, M.D. is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer and melanoma at the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Pa.

Jennifer Armstrong, M.D.Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. is a breast cancer oncologist at Paoli Hematology-Oncology Associates in Paoli, Pa., with a special interest in physicians' communication skills.

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