When Your Child Has Cancer: Dealing With the Diagnosis
by
Rebecca J. Stahl, MA
Hearing the news that your child has cancer can trigger a range of emotions. It is normal to feel shock, anger, fear, anxiety, and sadness. It is also normal to feel guilt—you may wonder why your child has cancer or if you could have changed the outcome somehow by doing (or not doing) something. Remember that, in many cases, it is difficult for even doctors to determine what caused the cancer. And when cancer affects children, the symptoms are not always clear and can mimic other, more common, childhood illnesses. The most important thing is to focus on what you can do right now to help your child. Learning About the Diagnosis and Treatment OptionsDuring the diagnosis, your child’s doctor may run tests (called staging) to find out the type of cancer, where it is located, whether it has spread, and what body parts are affected. Staging helps determine the treatment plan. During this time, you might want to get a second opinion. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you can get more guidance as to what the next steps should be. But when you are under extreme stress, it is hard to remember the right questions to ask, not to mention the doctor’s responses. What are some steps that you can take to feel more in control? For starters, keep a notebook handy and jot down questions. Take this notebook to appointments. Or use a recorder to capture your concerns and the doctor’s remarks. Another option is to have a family member or friend accompany you to appointments. They can offer support, ask questions, and be there to listen. After the diagnosis, you need to gather as much information as you can about the treatment options. Some important questions include:
Using a notebook or recorder or talking to a friend can help you absorb the information and give you a chance to review it when you get home. Talking to Your Child About the DiagnosisCancer treatment involves a whole team—doctors, nurses, radiation therapists, rehab specialists, dieticians, social workers, and other professionals. When it comes time for your child to learn about the diagnosis, use this team for support. Also, ask for guidance from family, friends, church members, and support groups. Choosing the right words depends on your child’s age and level of understanding. You may opt to tell him or have the doctor explain the diagnosis. Either way, being honest and giving love and support are what will help your child cope. Just like you, your child will have a range of emotions when dealing with the diagnosis. He may feel scared, worried, or angry. He may start acting differently, for example, an outgoing kid becomes quiet and withdrawn. Share this information with the treatment team. It is important for them to know how your child is doing both physically and emotionally. Depending on your child’s age, involve him in the treatment choices. This can help him feel some control over what is happening. Experiencing Life After the DiagnosisAs hard as it is, life continues after the diagnosis. If your child is feeling well enough, he may still be attending school, playing with friends, and doing household chores. These routines can help your child deal with cancer. When treatment starts, you can adjust his schedule, fitting in time for fun activities when he is feeling less tired. If you have other children, they also need you to be there for them. Brothers and sisters are also affected by the diagnosis and may be feeling distressed and confused. Meanwhile, they still have school, activities, and friends to keep up with. And you still have your job and responsibilities at home. How can you manage family life and work when all your energy is focused on your child’s cancer? Remember that you do not have to confront this on your own. Here are some strategies to help you cope. Ways to Help Yourself
Ways to Help Your KidsThese are steps you can take to help your children cope:
Cancer is a life-changing event that affects the entire family, but also has a ripple affect that touches the lives of friends, classmates, and coworkers. As difficult as getting the diagnosis is, know that there are people who care about you and your child and want to help. The treatment team and organizations, like the American Cancer Society, offer support and resources. Family and friends are also there for you. Reaching out to them can help you accept the diagnosis and focus on treatment. RESOURCES:American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/ National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/ CANADIAN RESOURCES:BC Cancer Agency
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/default.htm Childhood Cancer Foundation
http://www.candlelighters.ca/ References:
Cancer, anxiety, and fear. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer..... Updated August 2008. Accessed December 3, 2008.
A cancer diagnosis can affect emotional help. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer..... Updated August 2008. Accessed December 3, 2008.
Emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer..... Updated June 2008. Accessed December 3, 2008.
Getting beyond “why me.” American Psychological Association website. Available at:
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=32. Accessed December 3, 2008.
When your child has cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at:
http://www.cancer..... Updated January 2001. Accessed December 3, 2008.
Young people with cancer: a handbook for parents. National Cancer Institute website. Available at:
http://www.cancer..... Published July 2003. Accessed December 3, 2008.
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