Shock, suspicion, fear, guilt, depression, anxiety, anger, deep grief, and finally, accepting the reality. This is the stream of emotion most of the parents go through once their child is diagnosed with cancer. Once you accept the reality, being the parent, it is your duty to walk your child through this phase of his life without losing confidence. This blog will help you in dealing with childhood cancer.

1.       Communication

·         You should talk to your child about his or her ailment as soon as possible. Depending on the child’s age, explain the illness. Try to make it as clear and simple as possible. You should talk to your child in a calm voice. Children are very smart and they will notice the changes in your facial expression. Bear in mind, your child needs a strong Support that enhances is confidence, which in turn, positively influence the Treatment, and you are that strong support.

·         Never give false promises like it won’t hurt, you will feel nothing, etc. Instead, have a talk with him in the presence of the doctor in charge of treatment and explain to the child what to expect during the treatment.  What you should give the child is a reassurance. Tell your child all the ill effects of treatment are temporary and you will walk with him through this.

·         Answer all their questions patiently and clearly. A doubtless confident mind is the significant part of the success of the treatment.

·         Obviously, your child may get scared. They may react differently. Sometimes they may appear scared and worried, sometimes quiet and depressed. Some days may be rough for them and some may pass normally. Anyway, give the child confidence. Help them to focus on any activity that helps to get rid of their mental pressure.

2.     Get support and care yourself

·         Never shut yourself from any accessible help. This is the time you need supports that makes you stronger.  Remember, your child depends on your physical and emotional strength.

·         Let the other people take some pressure off your shoulder. Let someone else run the chores like shopping, looking after other children, household works etc.

·         Join a support group. Getting along with people going through the same path, sharing the experience and information will be helpful for you.

·         You should also find some time and ways to relax and bring down the stress. Always try to be positive. Let only the positive thoughts get into your mind. Yoga meditations, music, books, whatever works for you, find it and do it.

3.       Deal with the siblings

·         Pay attention to the other children’s needs and emotions as well. Remember,  they are also going through a tough phase with lots of doubts and anxiety.

·         Keep them informed and involve them also in this journey. This way they will be more relaxed.

·         Try to keep the study routine, family activities, School routines, etc, as normal as possible. This will emotionally help the child and his siblings a lot.

4.       Help the child cope with the changes:

Treatments bring about so many changes in a child’s life and attitude. What you have to do is to help your child live the life as normal as possible. You should talk with the child’s doctor in advance to understand what all changes and situations should be expected in the due course of the treatment. Nothing should come as a surprise in your way. And, get prepared for the changes in advance as well.

·         Changes in appearance

Most probably your child will lose hair during the treatment. Make the child prepare for it in advance. Ensure him, it is nothing but hair and it will grow back in no time after the treatment. You can allow your child pick out a fun cap, scarf or a wig ahead of time. This will help the child to take the change unsurprisingly.

Similarly, they will encounter some significant weight loss in the course of the treatment. Let your child shop for some cool and stylish outfits that suit his current appearance.  This will enhance his spirit and cope with the changed appearance quite easily.

Most importantly, teach him how to respond or ignore the comments of the strangers.

·         Changes in the schedule

In the course of treatment, your child will spend more time in the hospital and less time at home and school. This will keep him away from his dear and near ones, friends, playmates, and studies.

Enrich your child’s hospital days with the music he loves to hear, books he loves to read, drawing, board games, etc. 

Try to get academic support for your child. If the child’s doctor permits to go to school in between the treatment (which totally depends on the physical condition of the child), after ensuring proper support from the school, class teacher and students, it is always better to let the child go to school. It will help him to stick to and focus on the normal routine that distracts him from the illness. If the child is not able to go to school, you can still opt for IEP, individual education Plan for your child.

·         Changes in the diet:

Try to feed your child as directed by the doctor. Every now and then your child may be too sick to eat or drink much, especially days following a chemo. Try to get the foods they wish to have. When the child refuses to eat, try nutritional supplements that come in the form of beverages in different flavors. These provide a lot of nutrients in a small amount