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Colorectal Cancer: Newly Diagnosed: Day to Day Living (Stages 2, 3, 4)

If You Have Underage Children

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Tell Your Children About Your Diagnosis

Children will know something is happening and will likely assume it is their fault if they are not told.

Use the word "cancer." If you do not use the word, and they hear it from someone else, they may lose trust in you.

Tell each child in a manner that is appropriate for his or her age and personality. Use drawings or dolls if that would be helpful. How to tell children of different ages is described in the article noted in "To Learn More."

Keep A Routine

Be sure children have a routine, and that they feel cared for.

Spend Close One On One Time With Each Child

Kids may have a hard time articulating their fears and just feel better being close to you.  Curl up with a blanket on the couch and watch a movie together, allow them to bring a pad or mattress into your room to sleep beside you if that helps them.  No words have to be spoken – they just feel better being with you.

Monitor Your Children's Behavior

It is likely that their reaction will show up in behavior instead of words or tears. Common reactions are described in the document in "To Learn More."

If Your Children Are In School

Make your child's school aware of what is going on.

Ask to be contacted if your child's schoolwork begins to suffer or if there is a change in the child's behavior.

Arrange For Their Care.

It is never too soon to start arranging for a child's temporary care during your treatment.

It also prudent to make arrangements in case you become unable to care for the child on a long term basis, or if you die. We are not talking specifically about your diagnosis. Life is fragile and there is no certainty for any of us.

Start Children On A Cancer Prevention Diet And Lifestyle

Depending on the type of colorectal cancer you have, your children may be at risk in coming years. Your doctor can tell you whether they are at risk -- and, if so, when and how often to get them screened.

In the meantime, start feeding your children a cancer preventive diet, make sure they exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and get proper rest. More than 70% of colorectal cancers are caused by diet. Please do not take this to mean that you caused your cancer or to start beating yourself up. What was -- was. Deal with what is and what you can do about it. And yes, expect that in other sections of this document we encourage you to start adopting this diet and lifestyle yourself. It's one of the things you can do to help change the future.


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