Childhood Cancer
Last treatment
The last treatment usually includes a physical examination, blood work, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, and a discussion with the oncologist. The doctor should review the treatment that was given, outline the schedule for scans and blood tests for the future, and sensitively discuss the potential for long-term side effects. If you do not already have a detailed summary of your child’s treatment, it should be provided as your child is completing the last round of treatment.
The nurses at our clinic really made a big deal on the last day of treatment. They brought out a cake and balloons, and sang “Going off Chemo” to the tune of “Happy Birthday to You.” They made Gina a banner and bought her a present. I sat in a corner and cried, because I was scared to death of the future. A nurse came over, hugged me, and said, “This must be so hard; we’re taking away your security blanket.” She was exactly right.
When treatment was finally over, we felt like we had been cut adrift at sea. Suddenly, our hospital safety net was gone. This was the day that we had been waiting for—and now we were terrified.
Table of Contents
All Guides- Introduction
- 1. Diagnosis
- 2. Bone Sarcomas
- 3. Liver Cancers
- 4. Neuroblastoma
- 5. Retinoblastoma
- 6. Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- 7. Kidney Tumors
- 8. Telling Your Child and Others
- 9. Choosing a Treatment
- 10. Coping with Procedures
- 11. Forming a Partnership with the Medical Team
- 12. Hospitalization
- 13. Venous Catheters
- 14. Surgery
- 15. Chemotherapy
- 16. Common Side Effects of Treatment
- 17. Radiation Therapy
- 18. Stem Cell Transplantation
- 19. Siblings
- 20. Family and Friends
- 21. Communication and Behavior
- 22. School
- 23. Sources of Support
- 24. Nutrition
- 25. Medical and Financial Record-keeping
- 26. End of Treatment and Beyond
- 27. Recurrence
- 28. Death and Bereavement
- Appendix A. Blood Tests and What They Mean
- Appendix B. Resource Organizations
- Appendix C. Books, Websites, and Support Groups