Hi everyone!

I am so excited that I found this website!It has been so wonderful and informative. My surgery is scheduled for 9-15-05 (TAH) and I am of course nervous!!! I am a single mom who shares joint custody (15 yr daughter who is driving and I see why valium was created, and an 8 year old son) My daughter is aware of the surgery but I was wanting to get tips on the best way to tell my son. Not really sure how to, any advice would be appreciate. I hope everyone is doing well and I look foward to checking back in. Take care!

Hi and I am glad you found us too

I had a TAH on Aug 22, due to cervical cancer. I have 4 children..ages 13, 10, 7, and a 6 month old baby. I told them everything..they were scared at first when they heard cancer, but I explained to them that I had very early stage and the surgery would take care of it. I also told them that I would need them to really pitch in with the household work..and they are doing great for a bunch of spoiled kids..who never did a load of wash before. I must say..I am proud of them.
I wasn't sure if I should tell them in the beginning..but then I felt God forbid something were to happen to me...I wouldn't want them wondering why I wasn't honest with them. In the end, I am glad they knew everything.

I know it's tough, but just do as you feel..Good Luck!

Kara

Hi there! We're glad you found us!

I think it's always a good policy to be as truthful as you can with children. He has already probably picked up on your nervousness, so the sooner you can give him some information the better. You don't have to get all clinical with him and give him the 75-cent words or anything -- just give him the basics. Make sure you emphasize that, while you'll not be up to par for several weeks, you'll feel much better after it is all over! (You'll most likely be pretty much back to normal by Thanksgiving, for instance.)

Several ladies have asked about whether or not children should be present the day of surgery. You haven't asked about that, but in case you're wondering, my personal opinion is "No!" I've spent enough time waiting in hospitals to know that this is NOT the place for kids. There's nothing for them to do, and if your surgery gets delayed, or goes longer than expected (which isn't necessarily serious, just annoying) they could get unnecessarily stressed out. Just another tidbit for you. My kids (who were 16 and 4 at the time of my surgery) came to see me the day afterwards, and that was fine. Even so, that was hard for my 4-year-old to handle.

Hope this helps.