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Parent Questionnaire: Talking to Children About a CML Diagnosis

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I am posting this on behalf of my son:

My name is James and I am a high school student working on a research-based project focused on how parents talked to their children about their diagnosis. After my mom was diagnosed with CML, I realized how frightening and confusing the word “cancer” can be, especially when the illness is chronic and long-term. Many resources are written for adults or very young children, but there is far less guidance for families with tweens and teenagers.

As part of my research, I am hoping to hear from parents living with CML who would be willing to complete a short, anonymous questionnaire your experience telling your own children. The questionnaire takes about 10–15 minutes. If you are willing to participate or would like more information, please send a DM, and I will share the questionnaire link. I would be incredibly grateful for your help, and I hope this project can eventually support other families navigating CML.

I am providing a link to a google doc. If you are unable to access this link and are interested in completing the survey - please reach out and a PDF will be provided.

https://forms.gle/mE5x3hzwTdgyv3B26

I’d be happy to do it for you however it’s been 8 years since my diagnosis and I’ve managed so far to keep it from my kids. They’re now 12 and 15.

I will tell my kids one day when they’re emotionally mature enough to process and understand more.

I wanted my kids lives to be as trauma free as possible, while they’re developing at least.

I can understand why some people feel the need to tell their kids also and it’s down to a personal choice.