Childhood leukaemia
Initial diagnosis
Learning that your child has leukaemia is extremely distressing for any parent. The news can trigger a whole range of intense emotional responses ranging from denial to devastation. It is normal to react with extreme fear, disbelief and confusion. You may become angry or even furious with the doctor or those around you. There may be a sense of numbness or that the situation is not real, that a 'mistake' has been made. Naturally, most parents experience their worst fear of all – the possibility of losing their child. This is a very normal reaction but it is worth remembering that survival rates for many childhood cancers are currently very good, and will continue to improve in the future.
It takes time to adjust to the diagnosis of your child's leukaemia. However, with enough time, enough information and a great deal of support, the shock of the diagnosis will be replaced by the reality of the situation and what you need to do next.
Breaking the news to your child
It is not easy to tell a child about a diagnosis of cancer. The amount of information given usually depends on the child's age and level of emotional development. In general, it is important to have an open and honest approach, providing children with as much information as you are both comfortable with, and they can understand at the time. In many cases, withholding information can cause even more anxiety than if the truth is told. It is important to allow children of all ages to openly express their fears and anxieties, to communicate as openly as possible with them and, if it is appropriate, to include them in decisions regarding their care.
Family life
The demands placed on parents and families when a child is diagnosed with leukaemia can be varied. Many urgent decisions need to be made about treatments and procedures and, in many cases, the care of siblings and other dependent family members. Treatment requires specialist care available at metropolitan and regional hospitals. As a result, many families have to spend some time away from the comfort of their own home and adjust to new and unfamiliar surroundings.
Parents are naturally concerned about any fear, distress or pain their child might have to endure during the diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia. It is important to remember that every effort will be made to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible at all times. The doctors and nurses at your treating hospital will use a range of safe and effective strategies to relax your child during any test or procedure. In addition, you, or your partner, will be encouraged to stay, where possible, and comfort your child during this time. If your child requires a general anaesthetic you will be allowed to stay by their side until they are asleep, and be there to greet them again when they wake up afterwards.
Re-establishing routines
Following initial treatment, many children can be treated as an outpatient with periodic hospital stays. While your child is at home it is important to try to re-establish as normal a family life as possible. Plan ahead and encourage family members to get on with their lives as this can help your child deal with anxiety. It is also important to try, as far as possible, to maintain the normal rules and behaviour boundaries for all children within the family to make them feel more secure and relaxed.
Between treatments, and as soon as they are well enough, encourage your child to participate in their normal childhood activities, including attending school or day care. This not only gives them an opportunity to learn and spend time with their friends, it can also provide them with a sense of returning to normal and hope for the future. The doctors and nurses at your treatment centre will provide you with information on how to spot an infection and common sense strategies to help your child stay as healthy as possible while they are away from the hospital. You can pass the information on to teachers and carers.