The doctor has told you that your child has cancer. You are processing the information and begin your search on websites, with organizations, doctors and anything else that can give you the information you need to begin treatment and get through this very difficult time. What you don’t think about is “you.”- Get enough rest and/or assistance if you have too much to handle.
- Be thankful for the little things, the good things.
- Outside of the cancer itself, forget about what’s wrong and hold onto what’s right.
- If you believe, do not get mad at God. He is not the one to be mad at for what has happened.
- Be there for your child. As scary as this experience is for you, it 10,000 times scarier for them.
- A lot of hospitals are nearby a Ronald McDonald house. These are especially helpful for getting a good night's rest, a hot meal and the love and support of other families who are going through the same thing. Because Ronald McDonald houses are non-profit organizations, you can stay for free as long as your child is in hospital care. They are extremely helpful and highly recommended.
- Start a file folder with every paper involved with this illness. Some receipts can be deducted. Our Hope Binder program is specifically tailored to support you and your child's treatment routine. It organizes virtually every facet of your child's care regiment, including phone numbers, names, prescriptions, important dates and more.
- Think of ways that people can help you. Friends and family will offer their help. Accept it.
- Do not have a victim mentality. Instead have a victor mentality. Your child will see this.
- Stay joyful and happy and keep yourself healthy. You can only take care of your child if you take care of yourself first.
- Keep a daily journal for your child. Include in the journal the types of medicine your child is allergic too, the dates of chemo treatments and surgeries, the amount and type of food that he/she eats, the number of times they use the bathroom or and if they get sick. Again, the Hope Binder can help with these needs.
- Try your best not to cry in front of your child. Believe it or not if you show hope, your daughter or son will to. A positive attitude truly reflects and cleanses your body.
- Stay calm when your child is protesting or crying during a port access or IV poke.
- Pray with your child every night. Pray and believe that they will be healed.
- Show appreciation for your child's doctors and nurses.
- Stay away from other sick people.
- Reach out to support groups. Do not be afraid to share your story with others. There are more people out there than you think dealing with the same and their strength and stories can help you.
- Make sure that you eat healthy foods every day. Try to avoid the temptations to eat fast foods.
- Never give up on the fight no matter how tired you are.
- Even if your child is an adult or almost and adult, you are still their parent. They still count on you to be there for them during this stressful time. It still matters to them that you care.
Again, you are the most important thing to your child once they have been diagnosed. They need you first and foremost for your support, love and attention. Together, you can win the battle and conquer cancer. How do you support your child's needs through supporting your own? We'd love to hear from you.
