When Parents have Cancer: a kids' conversation

Outrun Cancer

In previous episodes of Outrun Cancer we discussed the impact that the diagnosis has on families. We often hear the saying “a person doesn’t get cancer, a family does” and time and again we are considering how we tell family and support family going through cancer.

In this episode, Vanessa’s sons Zac and Jordan open up and talk with each other about watching, supporting and coping when parents have cancer. Many of us with a cancer diagnosis have to make decisions about who to tell and when, how much detail to share or what to keep more private. We are making this decision based on what we think is best.

Zac and Jordan share in an unscripted and raw conversation what they were thinking and feeling as they were launched into a cancer journey in their late teens. They've never actually sat down and had an hour long conversation together on cancer and so it starts off a little unsure as they begin to find their way and comfort zone about how to talk about this with each other. After the Podcast ended we continued to talk about some of the topics that we raised - which selfishly as a mother was a great outcome. So I thank you for listening to this conversation that helped me a great deal. And I thank my sons for being vulnerable enough and brave enough to share.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How Zac and Jordan initially reacted to learning that their mum had cancer (after already experiencing their dad go through cancer years before)
• Why the portrayal of cancer in popular culture (movies, dramas, social media) is an important part of the cancer journey for kids
• How each child will cope in a different way. But that at top of their mind is to not be a burden - which makes it hard for them as well.
• Feelings around counseling and why talking about cancer helps, (and sometimes all you need is for someone to listen or just sit silently with you)

About Zac and Jordan Oshima:

Zac and Jordan are the sons of Vanessa and Yasu (episode 2-3). They were born in New Zealand and have grown up in both New Zealand and Japan. Zac currently lives in Portland Oregon and Jordan in Tokyo Japan where they work, run and live.

Connect with Vanessa:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicesofcancer/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-oshima-she-her-37b51113/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weoutruncancer