Description

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:

1. 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?
2. 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?
3. 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

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Credits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.

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