•• group loop •• home page for the family room with resources for families of teens with cancer

Welcome message from Denise Tolson, parent of a teen with cancer:

Being the parent of a teenager is not an easy responsibility. Actually it can be very tough and trying. One can only hope and pray those years pass quickly without much turbulence. But, when the teenager you love is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, such as cancer, your mind quickly changes to cherishing every moment your teenager will share with you.

Sharing then becomes difficult as the parent. You do not want to discuss the fears you have about your child's diagnosis. I often found myself crying every time I was alone-at home, while driving in the car, in the shower, etc.

Support is available here at Group Loop. You can access support groups and talk with other parents who have the same questions, concerns, fears, and feelings that you do.

I encourage you to explore the site and get in the loop with other parents of teens with cancer.

The diagnosis and treatment of your teen's cancer has a profound impact on the emotional well-being of everyone in the family.

Parents especially find it challenging to balance caring for their ill child while caring for the rest of the family—let alone caring for themselves! As many parents have remarked, “It's just hard to predict who will step up to the plate when you really need them!” Painfully, sometimes spouses, relatives or friends may pull away because of their own fears—worries about saying the wrong thing, anxieties about how to best to help—let alone compassion fatigue from just being always “on call” and responsible.

In this section you can join a public discussion board and/or join an Online Support Group and connect with other parents of teens with cancer. You will also find an extensive list of resources. Please also see the information in our cancer, school and you section for information to help you with your teen's re-entry to school after treatment..