Trigger Warning: This episode discusses cancer and talking to children about a cancer diagnosis.
Episode162, which is part of the living with and beyond cancer series.
Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with guest Priyanka Pandya. When Priyanka Pandya was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, her world shifted overnight.
A devoted teacher, children’s life coach, and mother of two young daughters, Priyanka faced an unimaginable challenge, navigating her illness while raising her girls, who were just 4 and 2 at the time. But instead of shielding them from the harsh reality, she chose to open up through gentle, honest conversations. She answered their questions, addressed their fears, and created a space where they could express their emotions freely.
This experience inspired Priyanka to write ‘When Mummy Had Cancer’, a heartfelt picture book that helps families talk about illness in an age-appropriate way. Told through the innocent eyes of a young girl, the book captures the emotional rollercoaster that children experience when a parent is unwell. It’s more than just a story, it’s a tool that empowers families to have honest, supportive conversations about difficult topics.
CPD Reflection Points:
- What support mechanisms are in place for parents undergoing radiotherapy while caring for young children, and how do these mechanisms address both the emotional and practical challenges they face?
- Reflect upon the quality of the literature available to patients who may be having to have difficult conversations with their children. Are there further resources you could make available?
- Read the associated literature and reflect upon how your practice may develop to further support patients with young children.
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Links from the Episode:
- As a certified children’s life coach, Priyanka now dedicates her time to supporting families through 1:1 coaching sessions and school workshops. Through her practice, Priyanka Pandya Life Coach(https://priyankapandyalifecoach.com).
- When Mummy Had Cancer is a touching story about a family’s journey through a challenging time, told from a child's perspective. It explores fear, sadness, and bravery as the family faces Mummy's illness together. Beautiful illustrations gently help kids understand emotions, offering hope and comfort. https://amzn.eu/d/0yV9hAn
- The Psychosocial Effect of Parental Cancer: Qualitative Interviews with Patients’ Dependent Children. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9857104/
- Cancer parents’ experiences of parenting concerns about minor children: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666142X24000377
- Supporting families when a significant adult has cancer with caring responsibilities for dependent children (<18 years old). https://www.ulster.ac.uk/research/topic/nursing-and-health/caring-for-people-with-complex-needs/cancer/family-centred-cancer-care
Rad Chat Links:
Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.