The symptoms, progression, and discovery ofmetastatic, or stage IV, breast cancer differ.
So does the way you react when you learn the news.
You may experience anger, fear, sadness, stress, or shock.
Ivan Gener / Stocksy United
Before you sit your kids down, sit with your emotions.
I dont suggest you hide anything, just that you get centered first.
Never lie or make promises that you cant keep.
To ask questions, express their emotions, and/or repeat back what youve said to double-check they understand it.
If your children seem reticent to talk, sharing your own emotions can make them likelier to open up.
Many children also believe cancer is contagious.
Let them know this isnt the case and that they cant catch cancer by hugging or kissing you.
Particularly in this Covid environment, its a really good conversation to have, says Finestone.
Astage IV cancerdiagnosis can turn your world upside downand your childs too.
(Giving children the opportunity to pitch in with age-appropriate chores may make them feel less helpless.)
One of the hardestand most commonquestions parents with stage IV cancer face is, Are you going to die?
Its a good idea to rehearse how youll reply.
Finestone stresses that you want to make clear theres no cure.
Juno DeMelois a journalist who writes about parenting, health, wellness, food, and more.
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