Hello acro988

Sorry to hear that your Mum has had this diagnosis. I can appreciate how scary this must be. And no wonder you can't concentrate at school. You haven't said what type of diagnosis your Mum has had. Has she talked to you about her type of cancer? Maybe you are both too shocked to talk about it just yet?

I think that there are two issues to be looked at here; how you are feeling and how your Mum is doing - and of course these are connected. If you can get information about the type of cancer your Mum has and how far advanced it may be this will give you a start in understanding what may lie ahead  it may be that things could be more optimistic than you think. 

In terms of how you are feeling - is there anyone in your family that you might be able to talk to about your fears; Dad? Brother/sister? Gran or Granddad? Sharing your thoughts with one of them could be a start to getting support  

in school itself do you have a friend you could talk to - who might come with you to talk to a teacher about your concerns and the impact on your studies?

Try one or more of the above and let me know how you get on. 

Best wishes

It's scary when you hear the word cancer but don't be Hun I have terminal cancer so my thoughts are with you and your mum be positive that will get you through xx

Hi Acro988

I'm a Mum of an 11 and 15 year old and I was diagnosed with cancer 2 weeks ago. It's pretty scary but please don't feel like it's the end of the world. Your mum is still there for you, and I am sure she will continue to be. Everyone works so hard to fight cancer, it's incredible.

It's easy to think about the worst case scenrio, but it's important to try and stick to the facts. I tend to flip between being tearful and grumpy and I hate feeling out of control, but like you, it's hard to control how I feel. But what you need to remember is that your Mum needs you and your close relationship. It is as important as any treatment she has, so stick to her like glue (without driving her mad!!) You will deal with this far better together.

Try not to worry too much about school, make sure that you talk to the people who can help you, so that you don't have any extra pressure put on you. Try to approach this like when you were little. The monster under your bed, or that shadowy corner. It's scary and unexpected, it's hard to understand and you don't know what the outcome will be. But like all the problems you have faced with your Mum, you will face this together, and conquer the monster and shine a light on the shadowy corner.   

Be brave & don't be afraid of your feelings - they are normal and so are you. In the coming weeks it will all calm down and you will start to feel a bit more in control. You are the product of your amazing Mum so you can do anything!!

Take care, big hugs xx