So our first, our first question is,
how do I prepare a teen for major surgery?
They are afraid of dying. Hmm.
So how old is the teen? I'm, I'm right.
The, the age of the teen, right?
That, that's something that I'd be interested in.
But, but okay. But it's a teenager.
So I'm gonna be honest with you here.
I had this experience a year ago.
My, my daughter had a brain tumor and,
and, uh, a very, not an easy surgery,
but, um, I understand the parent's concern.
I understand the child's concern in a very real way, but,
but there's something that we do know,
and information can be very helpful.
So in talking with a doctor
and preparing, preparing your child for
that preparation is a very important part here.
Helping educate your child, the doctor.
How many surgeries have this that, have they done?
Have they ever lost anybody?
Sometimes simply the facts can help
in surgery, just understanding.
So, so our fear, and this is really a very great question.
What is the fear? The fear is dying,
but when we have the information,
has anybody had this surgery and died
before, the probability is probably very low or minimal.
So part of that is getting information
and talking maybe one-on-one with a doctor
before talking with your child.
So the doctor can inform the child and address those fears,
because sometimes they're not gonna listen to a parent.
They'll listen to the authority,
the doctor, in that situation.
So education is important,
but there's also the doing some of your own research
and finding the research and the
information about this kind of surgery.
Here's what it is. And sometimes, again, knowledge is power,
and it can be comforting when we have the
information or have the data.
Now, the other part of it may be that,
that your child is seen TV shows
or something where people died.
And, and again, it's reassuring them
with facts and information.
And I think the other part of it is your connection with
that child and, and reassuring them that, uh, you love them
and that you, uh, again, if surgery is essential
or necessary, that you'll be there by their side.
And, and, and in many instances, it is our connection
that helps people through difficult times
and let them know that you're gonna be there for them
at all, no matter what you're gonna be by their side.
I remember when my daughter came out of her surgery, um,
my wife and I were there
and, uh, you know, the first person that she saw was us
after the, after the surgery.
And, and to me that's, um, you know, uh, it's a reassuring
that there's love there.
And, and that's probably where, um, I would begin with
that answer.
