DD is almost 3-1/2, DS was 2 last month. We have a wonderful, sweet life with very regular routines. DP works 1/2 time, I work 1/2 time. DD goes to a few hours of preschool each week with a wonderful teacher and she loves it. We have a babysitter who stays with DS once or twice a week whom he ADORES.
Then 3 days ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have a double mastectomy scheduled next week and a ton of tests and appointments between now and then. Everything's thrown off. I am weepy and freaked out. DD still had been nursing a little, but I've had to stop that. DS is younger but DP gave birth to him and was his primary nurser so that's not a particular issue for him. My parents are coming tomorrow, but although the kids do know them they're not a regular part of our everyday life. And this is just the beginning.
Our preschool is wonderful and has suggested trying to keep their routine as much as possible, but that's pretty much shot other than getting DD to school. She does love her school, and her teachers are wonderful, but the classes change in mid-August and so that'll be new too.
If DS is realizing something's going on, he's not expressing it in a way I can understand. But DD has said some things, her teacher said she told them "everything's upset at home." She had been going through a clingy, very affectionate stage even before this happened and I am so worried about suddenly being a very different mama after the surgery. The nursing had been tapering off (by her lead), but in the past few days she's asked me twice and I've had to tell her no, my breasts are sick. She's accepted a snuggle on the bed reading a book, and yesterday she asked to suck on my arm and of course I let her do that.
I'm trying to get in touch with a social worker connected with the school, but haven't been able to do that so far. Do any of you have ideas for resources about how to help little kids through really tough times? I know there must be books, if I can concentrate enough to read them. Or groups?
Then 3 days ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I have a double mastectomy scheduled next week and a ton of tests and appointments between now and then. Everything's thrown off. I am weepy and freaked out. DD still had been nursing a little, but I've had to stop that. DS is younger but DP gave birth to him and was his primary nurser so that's not a particular issue for him. My parents are coming tomorrow, but although the kids do know them they're not a regular part of our everyday life. And this is just the beginning.
Our preschool is wonderful and has suggested trying to keep their routine as much as possible, but that's pretty much shot other than getting DD to school. She does love her school, and her teachers are wonderful, but the classes change in mid-August and so that'll be new too.
If DS is realizing something's going on, he's not expressing it in a way I can understand. But DD has said some things, her teacher said she told them "everything's upset at home." She had been going through a clingy, very affectionate stage even before this happened and I am so worried about suddenly being a very different mama after the surgery. The nursing had been tapering off (by her lead), but in the past few days she's asked me twice and I've had to tell her no, my breasts are sick. She's accepted a snuggle on the bed reading a book, and yesterday she asked to suck on my arm and of course I let her do that.
I'm trying to get in touch with a social worker connected with the school, but haven't been able to do that so far. Do any of you have ideas for resources about how to help little kids through really tough times? I know there must be books, if I can concentrate enough to read them. Or groups?
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