Any online support groups for teenagers when a parent has cancer?

Posted by keldra @keldra, 1 day ago

Does anyone know of an online support group for Teenagers trying to deal with a Parents cancer diagnosis? My 15yo daughter has been having a really hard time since my diagnosis. I try to talk to her and spend extra time with her, but she is resentful of my cancer and just wants our life to go back to the way it used to be before. She has tried talking with therapists but she didn't feel they were helpful. I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer in 2023. I'm done with in-clinic chemo and radiation, but I take a chemo pill at home, which I think adds to her anxiety. I'm thinking if she can talk with other teenagers that are dealing with the same thing, it might help.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 1 day ago

Please check with your oncologist/oncology clinic for a local support group for teens. That is where my friend found support for her daughter when she had cancer.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | 4 hours ago

@keldra, you might be interested in reading this older discussion:

- Family dynamics challenging when a parent has cancer: Want to connect https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/group-focused-on-families-and-parent-with-cancer/

Raising a teenager while dealing with cancer and treatments is tough. It's probably tough and confusing for her too. Fifteen is when a child searches for independence and separation. Interest in friends and self take priority. You may find these helpful:
– Helping Teenagers When a Parent Has Cancer https://www.cancercare.org/publications/51-helping_teenagers_when_a_parent_has_cancer
– Support for Teens When a Family Member Has Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/caregiver-support/teens