How Can I Help My Child Now That They Are Diagnosed With Cancer?

A diagnosis of cancer can turn a family’s world upside down, but when it is a child that is diagnosed, the impact is even stronger. The fears about treatment and outcome can go very deep in parents, who must continue to be supportive and positive. Siblings of the patient may have a variety of reactions, and these emotions must be understood and honored, even as other events are occurring. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind when your child is diagnosed with a serious illness.

Educate Yourself
As a parent, you will probably feel shock, sadness, disbelief or even guilt when your child is diagnosed with cancer. Your fears about the child’s prognosis may be overwhelming. Parents should arm themselves with as much information as possible about the particular forms of cancer, options for treatment and the many specialized

medical terms used in this area of medicine. Navigating the complex world of medical treatment, insurance forms and other issues will take up a considerable amount of time and energy, and parents can arm themselves with knowledge to help make the process easier.

Reassuring the Patient
Your child will no doubt have many questions about his or her illness and its seriousness. Your job will be to try to find ways to explain the complexities of the illness in language that is suitable for the child’s age and level of understanding. Allow the child to explore fears about death or disability. Reassure the child about the vast numbers of children who have had cancer and recovered. Purchase some books on the topic and discuss the information on cancer contained in the stories. Teens with a cancer diagnosis will need more sophisticated information, and connection with other teens that are dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be particularly important in this age group. Find a cancer support group or online forum so they can feel connected to others going through the same types of experiences.

Including the Siblings
A cancer diagnosis alters the entire family dynamic, so make sure you are available to answer the questions of siblings and deal with their fears about the patient’s condition and the future. Include the siblings in discussions about scheduling and have them help out with chores that will need attention while you are busy with the patient. If children must stay with other family members or friends during the treatment period, discuss how you will stay connected so that everyone stays informed.

Make Arrangements to Keep the Child Engaged
Your child’s schedule and ability to participate in activities may be affected by treatment, but you should still arrange to keep his or her life as normal as possible during this time. Children should be encouraged to return to school as quickly as possible. Parents should be in close contact with the school principal and teachers, to ensure that the child can continue academic pursuits, whether in class or at home. Children often have to explain to their peers what’s going on with their treatment, so help your child provide answers to these questions as simply as possible to facilitate their interaction. Certain accommodations for time away from classes or for physical effects from treatment may have to be arranged with teachers and school officials. However, encourage having friends over to visit and keeping in touch through Facebook or texts to keep your child engaged with others.

Schedule In Some Fun
In the seriousness of dealing with a major illness, don’t forget to take time out to have fun together as a family. Plan a day at the beach or an afternoon at a local amusement park. Time away from thoughts about cancer and treatment can help your child to deal with the intensity of the experience. This respite away from doctors and medical concerns can help to refresh your spirit and recharge your energy so that you can deal with these issues more effectively on your return.

Reach Out To Others
Being the parent of a sick child is a difficult role that can be made easier by interaction with others who are going through the same experiences or have gone through them in the past. Join a support group or find other parents online with whom you can air your fears and concerns.

Helpful Resources:

• http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/childrendiagnosedwithcancerdealingwithdiagnosis/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-dealing-with-diagnosis-cancer-is-a-crisis-for-the-whole-family
• https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000844.htm
• http://www.cancer.gov/types/childhood-cancers/child-adolescent-cancers-fact-sheet
• http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-returning-to-school
• http://www.cancer.org/treatment/childrenandcancer/whenyourchildhascancer/childrendiagnosedwithcancerdealingwithdiagnosis/children-diagnosed-with-cancer-dealing-with-diagnosis-how-parents-react
• http://www.cancerindex.org/ccw/guide2sg.htm

 

Source: CellMark Biopharma

from CellMark Biopharma http://www.cellmarkbiopharma.com