My daughter has been diagnosed with Brain Cancer for the 2nd time in her life. First time was when she was 5 - she endured 3 years of Chemotherapy and pulled through and was in remission for 9 years. Last May she was diagnosed again - with her 2nd brain tumor. She has NO friends because of her condition - other kids are afraid to approach her - nobody knows what to say th her. She is still in High School and has another year left - due to all the time she missed from her illness. She receives Chemotherapy every week - and has 29 more weeks to go. Her father has remarried and told her that he has a new life now and barely spends time with her and told her to grow the hell up already because she cries when he does not want to spend time with her. LOSER - - - Her step-father is wonderful with her. Any ideas on what to do to make her summer fun. Can't go to many public places like the beach or a public pool for fear of infection due to chemo. Any suggestions are MOST welcome.
2007-05-04 01:57:16 · 12 answers · asked by Perfect_Brat 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Cancer
I forgot to mention that she is legally blind from the first brain tumor and will NEVER be able to drive. Not to mention she is also a Insulin Dependant Diabetic and has to take 4 shots per day.
2007-05-04 02:11:46 · update #1
I am a cancer survivor (disgnosed at 16) and would suggest a camp that's specifically for kids with cancer. I went to one called Campe Make a Dream in Montana. All of the kids are currently going through treatment or survivors and they have nurses and oncologists on staff to take care of her while she's there in case she needs meds, gets sick, needs a doctor, etc. Also, it's free of charge. You can also check other cancer resources- CureSeach, Candlelighters for other camp suggestions.
Make a Wish is good to, it'll be something for her to be excited about. I got a wish and everyone there was wonderful.
2007-05-04 11:02:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, first of all, take in to consideration that shes an 18 year old, im a 21 year old guy and trust me from 17 onwards we want to be looked at as adults, and do mature things. So its important to take this into consideration.
Does she have cousins, brothers or sisters who are older who can do things with her? it also depends on what kind of person she is, If shes intelligent, then something historical, Maybe a nature reserve, something like that.
If you want to do something with her, how about something educational, like a summer class at a local college, there is usually alot of Art and Design summer classes here in the U.k but i dont know about there. Maybe take a class learning a new langauage together, give her something to look forward to when she is given a good bill of health taking her away to a country that speaks that language, (learn french, go to france or Quebec something like that you know?)
I know the reply was long winded, but i hope some of my suggestions are to your liking.
My best wishes go to her and her family!
EDIT: just saw your Edit comment, about her being legally blind. a language class would defiently be something to consider.
2007-05-04 02:15:27 · answer #2 · answered by Crocop 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What about suggestions from the Make A Wish Foundation? Sometimes they can help hook you up with her favorite celebrity, or send you on a trip that she has always wanted to go on.
Does she have teen cousins that can keep her company sometimes?
This one is touchy, but there is a message board at my daughter's school and it advertises for babysitters, supermarket jobs, elderly companion jobs, homework tutors....etc.- What about a tasteful ad for company for her- they have to earn hours of community service at my daughter's school and creative themed visits from teens might be just the thing to jumpstart her social life. This would help both teens and possibly create some meaningful friendships.
You could go to the Big Sisters of America or even another school to find different peers if she found that other idea unacceptable.
Are there any youth church groups/glee club groups in your area?
2007-05-04 02:01:18 · answer #3 · answered by gawd0 5 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I read this and wanted to cry. My heart aches for you and I can empathize with you. My son has a severe seizure disorder that almost took his life once. He was so ill and was put in a medicated induced near comatose state for 2 years to stop the seizure activity. We never went anywhere really for fear of something happening.
Also his father was notable to cope with it. However he cannot cope with anything he just drinks it away. My bro-in-law loves him so much and does everything for him.
What is it your daughter finds enjoyable? My son is happy with day trips to ball parks and concerts. However this is also a risk factor for your daughter? any public place? Can you elaborate?
Its always nice to have correspondence with a parent in need of an ear sometimes..........if you ever need anything or just want to vent :) bodyfitt67@yahoo.com
2007-05-04 02:09:58 · answer #4 · answered by Bubble gum for the Brain 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only suggestion I can think of is to maybe rent a cabin that is kind of secluded and invite some family, maybe her favorite cousins. Or, you can rent a house boat and invite some family. My thought and prayers will be with you. Be thankful that God gave her such a great step-dad, he sounds wonderful. Heaven only sends special children to deserving parents, and you definitely sound like a very special and deserving mom.
2007-05-04 02:10:15 · answer #5 · answered by CJBig 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look into "Virtual Tours" or vacations.
Tanning in the yard, sprinklers, etc. Take her on a road trip for a few days. Fly somewhere for a weekend.
She is 18, ASK her what she likes, what she would like to do.
Take her to a taping of the Letterman Show, or Leno, or go to California and get on the Price is Right. Or Springer in Chicago, or Oprah. :)
2007-05-04 02:02:05 · answer #6 · answered by Dennis L 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I will be her friend if you want.
I don't care what a person looks like or what they have or if there is anything worng with them its the person inside that counts.
What about the cinema or to the spa (obviously there will be somethings you can't do) or to theme parks or just go on holiday somewhere nice and warm.
2007-05-04 02:12:47 · answer #7 · answered by lucreciacresent 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of camps and programs for kids with dealing with cancer, ask your hospital social worker for more information. Is she being treated at Children's Memorial? They are the greatest. I know of a few camps in WI. If you are interested.
2007-05-04 16:42:43 · answer #8 · answered by Cyndi L 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very sorry about your situation. I see your from the Chicago area. I know there are many museums, art galleries, etc. in the area that could be good to visit. Take that into consideration along with the other suggestions and you'll have plenty to do.
2007-05-04 02:02:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
GOD BLESS her! You will be in my prayers! Oh my, that is a Tuff one! Let me think ! Well can you have a party at home for her! You can do a beach theme without the water? Maybe do girls day out! Go to the mall! Get your hair and nails done! Too go to a park with a Picnic!
2007-05-04 02:02:17 · answer #10 · answered by Amy E 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋