How to explain to 12yr old about Cancer related Fatigue

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Does anyone know of any leaflets/booklets I can pass on to my 12yr old step daughter about the recovery period after cancer treatment?
She is very confused about it all, she said to me this morning “I don’t understand why you are still feeling ill and tired if you’re not having chemo or zaps anymore” and I said “well you’re body has to recover after you’ve had all the treatment and that makes you tired as your energy goes into making your body as back to normal as possible”
I get a sneaking suspicion that she thinks I’m milking it or getting lazy. I’m still doing everything domestic, shopping, cooking, cleaning, ironing etc, but as I have to have a nap most days, she find this very weird.
Any links anyone has would be useful :wink: thanks

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Hi El K,
here I am again! Day off, raining, lurking…

Anyway. I don’t know of any books/leaflets aimed at the right age group, but I wondered if you’ve come across the ‘spoon theory’? Although it isn’t about cnacer fatigue, it is about fatigue conditions, so kind of relates. You can (shhh) Google it, or it can be found here: butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory-written-by-christine-miserandino/

Hope you find something helpful.

Love the avatar pic btw, hair’s looking good girl!

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Dear El Katrano

BCC have a publication called talking with children which you might find useful. Please follow the link below where you can either order it or download it for free.

www2.breastcancercare.org.uk/publications/diagnosed-breast-cancer/talking-your-children-about-breast-cancer-bcc50

Best wishes
Poppy

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Thanks Poppy, I was hoping for something aimed at children like “mummys lump” but more age appropriate.
I’ve explained as best as I can to her, I guess I’m just looking for something physical to give her so she can understand that fatigue is actually real :wink: I get the feeling she thinks it’s like when she is milking being ill to stay off school or something!

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Revcat - Thats excellent, thanks :slight_smile: I hope that explains things to her and doesn’t confuse her more :smiley: Think she’ll be coming over with a bunch of spoons and I’ll be like “not quite…” LOL.
Yes the old hair is coming on, wrong colour entirely but you can’t knock it for trying. This is months and months worth, going to be sometime before I have shoulder length bob again! the avatar picture was taken on the day of being discharged by my onc. Glass of wine - don’t mind if I do (Guilt from drinking when it can be a factor is breast cancer? Buckets, but I’ve always been a rebel) xxx