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Coping With Childhood Leukemia...
"Suddenly you are trust into a world of white coats and treatment protocols your whole life is disrupted and your future is, at best, uncertain. It's all so incomprehensible, so frightening and lonely-not just for you-but for everyone involved with you . . ."
The above quote, from a man with Hodgkin lymphoma, poignantly illustrates
that few experiences are so devastating as learning that you or someone
you love has a life-threatening illness.
When a child is diagnosed with childhood leukemia or any other cancer, there
are certain life adjustments that need to take place - for both the child,
and his or her family. The changes can be large or minimal, depending on
the cancer one is diagnosed with.
You are now going to have to deal with this disease head on. Your family
are now heading into a new chapter of their life. The first thing that needs
to happen is a good attitude. You need to accept that this has happened to
your child and you are going to make the best of it.
Tell yourself you will fight the disease to the very end and that you will
emerge from this stronger and victorious. A positive attitude such as this
is the first step to overcoming, and Coping with Cancer and in giving your
child the courage he or she needs to overcome their illness.
There are also certain physical changes that need to take place. Now that
your child will be starting treatments, you need to accept that they can
no longer do everything they once did. Often the will fee fatigued and will
experience pain as a result of medication.
As well as giving your child time to adjust give yourself some time to adjust
- don't think that you have to do everything right then. Coping with children
with leukemia is a long process.
Cancer is a major adjustment to family life, but it doesn't need to take
over. Just certain adjustments can make the treatment process much more bearable,
and allow your family to live as normal of a life as possible.
It might also be recommended by a physician, friends, or family, that you
join one of the thousands cancer support groups. These support groups can
lend a friendly hand in overcoming and coping with cancer. Each of the people
in these support groups are experiencing the same thing you are, and can
connect with you. You can then talk about the effects of cancer, as well
as different means of Coping with cancer. If you can't or don't want, to
participate in a live support group, you may consider joining one of the
thousands online. These coping with cancer support groups can lend you everything
you need to make coping with cancer easier, and remind you that you aren't
alone in coping with your disease.
Children Know When Something Is Wrong
Most parents will do almost anything to protect their children from pain,
and from an adult perspective, there are few things more painful than dealing
with a life-threatening illness. However, most people who have tried to shield
their children from knowing that a parent is seriously ill often regret later
that they did not tell them the truth. And where it is the child that is
ill he or she should be told as soon as possible in order to give them time
to adjust.
Children, especially young children, tend to see themselves as both the center
and the cause of their own little universe. They know when something is wrong
in their world and usually take on a tremendous amount of responsibility
for it, believing it's totally their fault.
They will feel the stress within the family, and without the knowledge of
what is wrong, have perhaps more anxiety than if told. Your approach should
certainly not be overly pessimistic, but children should also not be given
too much of a sense of false hope. While you may be able to give older children
the name and a brief description of the disease and its treatment, the explanation
should be kept as simple as possible for younger children.
"You've been sick a lot lately, haven't you? The doctors think they
can make you well if you go to the hospital." Children have amazing
resources and capabilities when they understand a situation. Perhaps by being
truthful with them, we can help to lessen some of the confusion they might
experience.
Sources of Information
The best source of information about side effects is your doctor. He or she
is most knowledgeable about your child's particular case and, therefore,
most qualified to discuss their treatment program. You should not hesitate
to talk with your physician about any questions or fears you may have regarding
your childs treatment and possible reactions do it.
Other healthcare professionals, such as a nurse or technician responsible
for administering your child's treatment, can also supply you with assistance
and information. You may also wish to read some literature that describes
the side effects associated with your treatment program. Material of this
nature is usually available from your doctor's office, treatment center or
from one of the sources listed under "Services and Support."
Many people also find that support groups provide an excellent forum for
the exchange of experiences and information about side and how to cope with
them.
The diagnosis of leukemia often provokes a profound emotional response in
the patient, family members, and friends. Denial, depression, a feeling of
hopelessness, stress, and fear are normal and usual reactions. No single
response is either expected or unexpected and coping with anxiety is not
easy.
The responsibility of caring for a child with leukemia can take a toll on
parents. Here are some suggestions to help you cope:
Ask Questions: A lack of understanding of what's in store, the unknown, and
what's next should be met by thoughtful, straightforward, and frequent discussions
between physician, nurse, patient and family.
Health care professionals know
that this is a confusing time for you and your child they are always more
than prepared to answer any questions you might have no matter how simple
that question might appear.
Arrange for help at home, including babysitters.
Do not isolate yourself socially, but avoid people who are not supportive.
It is important for you and your child that you do not isolate yourself from
the world around you. Try to live as normal a life as possible. Take your
child to the cinema or treat him to the occasional McDonalds give him something
to look forward to. Where possible arrange help at home, including babysitters
There are many community groups in the country providing support for parents
whose child has cancer, contact these. Make use of their acquired wisdom.
If the pressure is getting on top of you, seek professional counselling,
if you are an active church goer a good place to start is with your local
minister.
Remember that other family members or loved ones may have questions about
chemotherapy and alternative methods of cancer treatment, listen to and answer
their questions as best you can.
Don't be afraid to speak directly with physicians regarding specific medical
questions. Family members or loved ones should discuss any problems or reactions
they may have.
Nurses and other health professionals understand the complexity of emotions
and special ongoing needs of those living with leukemia. They also will spend
much time with patients, become their confidants, and can be very helpful
in their emotional support in coping with cancer.
NOTE: This web site is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider