Children With Cancer

How devastating it must be for any parent to hear their doctor say, "Your child has cancer." Thoughts would rapidly fly through your mind in such disbelief. Yet, it soon becomes a reality. Not only must you accept this horrific news, but, then, your world as you once knew it, falls apart. Where do you go from here? What happens next?

Tests begin, meetings are scheduled with the doctors who will soon be caring for your child, and then, the act of preparing your child for a long hospital stay. Questions are asked. Who will stay with your child in the hospital? What if you have other children? Who will care for them? What about work?

After you have all of that worked out, your child is admitted to the hospital and when medical care begins, here are a few suggestions:

1. Keep a journal.
2. List every doctor and nurse that you meet. Include their name, title and the date you first met them.
Try to understand their function in conjunction with your child's care.
3. Find out who is leading your team of doctors. The leading doctor will be the one to give you information regarding the care of your child.
4. Keep a record of all medications administered to your child. Time, dates, and by whom.
5. Record any questions you may have for the doctors and answers so you can refer back to them. In this difficult time, it may be hard for you to remember what was said, from one moment to the next.
6. If and whenever you can, ask a family member or a friend to listen to the doctor when he speaks with you. You may want the other person to write down exactly what is being said so you can refer back to it later.

Learning to cope:
1. Join a support group.
2. Say affirmations.
3. Remember gratitude.
4. Meditation and prayers.

I hope these suggestions are helpful. And, remember that you are not alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help.