Helping your Teen through Cancer

On the Facebook Page, “Josh Nukes the Leuk,” Josh and his family share the journey they are taking as Josh is in treatment for leukemia. Josh is a 17-year-old high school student who is active in the JROTC and enjoys computer games. Teenagers with cancer have unique issues as they are on the verge of adulthood, but are being treated in a pediatric clinic, often with much younger patients. They struggle with gaining their independence just like their friends, yet they must rely on their family for their care. Connor's Heroes has had many years of experience helping our teenage heroes. Josh's mom offered advice to other Hero parents who have a teen battling cancer like her son.

PRAY and use your faith. Trust your instinct. Don't be afraid to call for what you think might be a silly question. Stay off the internet. Ask the doctors your questions. Take it one day at a time, one stage at a time. Find a fellow Mom who knows what you are going through. I was blessed to find a Mom on a facebook page. Her son Anthony is 16. He and Josh are at the same stage in their treatment. Scott, Josh and I have found that laughter and our faith has gotten us through this. If you see us in clinic, we are normally laughing. Some may look at us weird, and yes, this is a serious hand Josh has been dealt, but we don't dwell on it.   

Pic cred: Facebook page of Josh Nukes the Leuk