My kids say the darndest things about cancer

cancerkids

We’ve been very open (in an age appropriate way) with both Princess Peach and Little Dude about my cancer diagnosis and all of my treatments. They know that I had a boo-boo in my boob, that I had medicine (chemotherapy) to make mommy better and surgery to take the boo-boo out.  Although they don’t know I’m undergoing radiation because I have my treatments while they are at school and daycare respectively, they are aware of everything that has happened to me. I find it so fascinating seeing how they are both internalizing and making sense of my cancer in a way that makes sense to each of them at where they are now at 2 and 4 years old.

 

Baking Cookies

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When I started chemotherapy on April 1, I stopped cooking. That way I was able to save my energy to be with my family. Friends, family and acquaintances took part in a meal train and delivered meals to us in the weeks following each chemotherapy treatment and after my surgery. Soon after I lost my hair, Princess Peach asked if when my hair came back we could bake cookies. She equated me losing my hair with stopping to cook. Two weeks after my surgery, a friend brought us pre-made cookie dough and Princess Peach and I made the best cookies ever!

You Don’t Have Boobs

my so-called mommy life

Last week Little Dude woke up from his sleep around 10:30 pm crying hysterically. I’m pretty sure he had a bad dream but I brought him into bed with me to cuddle. While we were snuggling we had the following conversation:

Me: I love you

Little Dude: I love you more. (Pause). You have a boo-boo in your boobs?

Me: Yes

Little Dude: The doctors cut them off?

Me: They did

Little Dude: With scissors?

Me: No they use another tool.

Pause. Little Dude put his head back onto my chest and was quiet for about 5 minutes when his head popped up.

Little Dude: A screwdriver?

Me: haha no. Something else that was special

Little Dude: You can get new boobs.

Me: Thanks

Then he put his head back on my chest and cuddled into me. I’m still laughing about him thinking a screwdriver took my boobs off!

 Take a picture of me

A few weeks ago, while walking to school in the morning Princess Peach and I had the follow conversation:

Princess Peach: Are you feeling ok?

Me: I am!

Princess Peach: When are your boobs going to grow back?

Me: Never

Princess Peach: So how are you going to have more babies?

My heart sunk a little. Fertility and cancer is a very touchy subject and one that there isn’t a whole of information on.

Me: You don’t need boobs to have a baby.  That baby can drink milk out of a bottle. 

Princess Peach: Little Dude can share his bottles with the baby. That would be nice. 

Then Princess Peach saw a pile of leaves, jumped into them and asked me to take her picture. So I did!

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These are three recent examples of my kids saying things about me having cancer. They aren’t the first and I know they won’t be the last comments they make but I’m happy to field any and all comments and questions from them. I think by letting them know they can always asks questions about it makes it less scary for them and me too!

Comments

  1. Tovah says:

    Love how open and REAL you are with your children!

  2. Tracey says:

    I love their questions and your answers! Honesty is the best way, in a way they understand…and you’ve mastered that…and more!!! We can only protect our kids from so much. They always full of questions and tough ones too! Thx for sharing xo

    • mscmommylife says:

      I think honesty is the best way too! Hopefully they’ll continue to ask questions as they arise based on my cancer and just life in general

  3. MultiTestingMom says:

    You are the greatest Mama ever and your kiddies are so lucky to have you as their Mom.

  4. mom2michael says:

    Fabulous answers. You really are great at the age-appropriate honesty. And I love the way kids think.
    I’ll never look at a screwdriver the same way again …

  5. loren416 says:

    You’re telling your tale in the loveliest way Renee. I read every word, and I’m always proud of you 🙂

  6. greenmomsco says:

    So good that your kids share their thoughts with you. I’m sure it helps you to know that they will open up about what’s on their mind. xo

  7. Darlene S. says:

    The bond you have with them is incredible. Kudos to the babes for no holds barred. Nothing more honest then a child.

    You are doing a fabulous job girlie!! I can’t imagine how difficult some of those questions might be sometimes…. in 20 years you’ll look back, and laugh and relish these moments <3

  8. Brandyn says:

    I think it is amazing that you have been so open with your children. I can’t imagine the mix of emotions you must have to deal with. This post right here shows me you are wonderfully strong! I wish you all the best!

    Thank you for sharing with us at #mommymeetupmondays!

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