Re: [CML] how to tell children

[Lisa Birdsell]

I am a 55 male with two children...16 and 11.  I was diagnosed last week...but have few outward symptoms...and am wondering what I should tell the kids.  I do not want to alarm them terribly...but would appreciate advice from anyone that has dealt with this.  Hello,      Think of the questions they may have and the possible answers.  In Example: the treatment plan, the prognosis depending on which phase you are in, etc...  My children were older.  I am now 41 and was diagnosed January 12th, 2002 and by taking 600 mgs. Gleevec am currently PCR negative.  My oldest son was 22 at the time and he and his wife were going in for delivery of their first baby in 5 days.  So we decided to wait until after the first grandchild was born to tell the children so as not to spoil the good event.  At the time when I was attending the birth, I didn't know how much time I would get to spend with this little baby.  Now, she is 2 1/2, her sister is 1 1/2 and my other son has a 2 year old also.  The best thing about taking a couple of weeks to tell the children was that it gave me time to research the disease so I better knew what I was dealing with, plus it gave me time to have my own emotions under control.  I don't suppose this is really advice, just sharing what I did but perhaps it will help somewhat.     Do remember to try being positive but always truthful about what is known.  Look forward to spending many years with them, yet spend each day as if it were the last.  If there are any benefits to CML it is discovering where our priorities really should be in life. Blessings, Lisa in NC  New! Sign up for local CML support group meetings in your local community at http://cml.meetup.com Apply for Commercial Real Estate loans online and submit your deal to dozens of hungry lenders in just minutes. Loan programs for all types of business and commercial real estate. Apply anytime at http://realestatezoo.com CML (Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Support List) --------------------------------- Part Of CMLHope.Com An International Community Of CML Patients For more information: http://cmlhope.com Post Message: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe:  [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change To No Mail/Web: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change To Digest: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Change To Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] List Help: [EMAIL PROTECTED]  CML Group Web Site http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CML Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ADVERTISEMENT Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CML/   To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.