Childhood Cancer
Introduction
We are all in the same boat, in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.
Anne and Nancy each have children who survived cancer—Anne’s son had rhabdomyosarcoma and Nancy’s daughter had high-risk leukemia. Both children were diagnosed as preschoolers and each had surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. We understand that nothing prepares a parent for the utter devastation of having a child diagnosed with cancer. We have walked the path from that life-changing moment through information gathering, treatment, and rehabilitation. We know that fear and worry are lessened by having accurate information and through hearing the stories of other children and families who have walked the path before us. We are honored to share with you what we and many other parents and healthcare providers have learned.
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