Student found out bad news yesterday

Published

Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

7th grade girl, found out she has a tumor in her lungs, came crying to me about it and I just feel horrible, because I can't help her or make her feel better. I called her mother to ask her about it, she said she's going to have surgery in 2 week. I wish I could help in some way.

Specializes in School health, pediatrics.

Just offer her comfort and reassurance.

Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
Just offer her comfort and reassurance.

Yeah, that's all I could give. I was hugging her while she cried into my shirt.

Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..

Oh goodness, praying for a good outcome, and peace at this time!

Specializes in kids.

Ugh. That is awful. I have been down that road too many times. PM me if you need anything.

I'm Sorry.

Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

I'm thinking of giving my number so when she's in surgery I can know and I can go visit her at the hospital when she's recuperating.

Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

How awful. I would caution against giving out personal information. But I think it would be OK to ask mom for details & then get her permission to come visit.

Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
How awful. I would caution against giving out personal information. But I think it would be OK to ask mom for details & then get her permission to come visit.

Yeah I might just do that instead. I have done this before, going to visit students at the hospital to make sure they are okay.

She came in again in tears today, and the secretary and I spoke with her. She told us the tumor is 6 cm.

Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
Ugh. That is awful. I have been down that road too many times. PM me if you need anything.

I'm Sorry.

Thank you and I shall.

Specializes in pediatrics, School LVN.
7th grade girl, found out she has a tumor in her lungs, came crying to me about it and I just feel horrible, because I can't help her or make her feel better. I called her mother to ask her about it, she said she's going to have surgery in 2 week. I wish I could help in some way.

You are helping by being there. She knows where she can go and who she can trust for support and comfort. Sending prayers and hugs for your student and for you.

Will classmates send get-well cards, etc?

Specializes in Med-Surg, Oncology, School Nursing, OB.

How sad and you being there is helping her just by listening. I think getting the staff and students involved in some way with cards or raise money with tshirts or something like that would be nice to show her she has support. Maybe start with cards and then if you find out she needs other treatments you could do more. We have a couple former students with cancer and have done that with them. It's been well received. It's heartbreaking to see young kids have to go through things like this.

+ Join the Discussion