Hi Toril
Our stories are very similar. My son was 2 1/2 when I was first dx. My husband and I have always believed that honesty is the best policy, but when it comes to children, make sure it is age appropriate. We told my son that I was sick and needed special medicine to make me better. He hated the hospital and never wanted to visit me, and did not want to think that I was having the "medicine" in the hospital. Fair enough. He is now 5 and going through my third round of treatment. I explained that the "lumps" had gone to my liver and I needed more medicine. He has only just asked to come to the hospital with me, so I let him come and meet the nurses and some of the patients. He was full of questions, and I think it has helped him alot.
As for the big question about death, he has not asked. If was to ask, I would tell him that everyone has to die some time and sometimes we don't know when that is. But I want to stay with him as long as I possibly can and I will fight to make sure that happens.
We have had a small problem with him starting school this year, and me starting treatment at the same time. He is suffering a bit from separation anxiety, which is hard, but I think it is more that he needs to know that someone will always be there to pick him up from school, even if I can't.
Good luck with everything.
Love Lisa
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