How do you cope with a parent who has cancer?

Teens especially., I just turned 16.How do you cope with a parent who has cancer?
Very good question. My father died 3 years ago with lung cancer. In the last stages of his cancer, he moved in with me and I took care of him and took him to all his chemo therapies.





A good way to ';cope'; with the cancer is to learn everything you can about the cancer. Learn what it's about. Learn what it does. What it affects. The good stuff as well as the bad stuff. This prepares you for anything that may happen during the ';sickness';.





People freak out when they hear about cancer because they just don't know. If you know something is about to happen or something is about to be done, you can cope with it better.





Also, you learning about the cancer also helps you give support for the parent. You know what hurts on the parent. You know when and about what areas of hair they will lose through chemo. Things like that. Knowing this, you can be more prepared in the everyday activities of the parent.





The best that can happen is that the parent beats the cancer. Then, you were involved in the curing of the cancer. And you feel just as much joy as the parent.





The worst that can happen is the parent passes away. That's just something that happens (unfortunately). Sure, it's gonna hurt. Sure, it's probably going to come unexpected. But, as long as you know that it ';could'; happen, you are more prepared.





Remember this. This is a very intense time for the parent. Be there for him/her as much as you can. Even if you have to give up things in your life for this parent.... DO IT. You'll thank yourself later for it.How do you cope with a parent who has cancer?
My daughter had a difficult time with my breast cancer diagnosis two years ago. She tried to keep her feelings inside and ended up having panic attacks. She is now in counseling. It's a roller coaster of emotions and a very scary time. I hope you have someone you can talk to. Maybe you could find a support group.
that is a very hard situation. my mother just got over breast cancer and its very difficult. there alot of support groups for patients and family members. you should look online for chat rooms with people who ca relate. All I can say is stay strong and be very patient and understanding. I hope all works out for you