Description
Book SynopsisLike a natural disaster, the diagnosis that your child has cancer can leave you and your family feeling helpless.
- How do you explain the disease to the child and to his or her siblings?
- How can you communicate your child's needs to the hospital staff?
- What are the best ways to reduce the physical side effects and the emotional distress of treatment?How will you, your child or teenager, and the rest of your family cope with cancer, and what can you do to help?
- When and where do you find good psychological help for your child or your family?
- How do you manage financial and school issues?
- How can you foster your child's development and self-esteem?
More than 12,000 American children will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and roughly 75% will survive. In addition to excellent medical care, their survival depends on a strong support network, which may include parents, siblings, extended family members, friends and neighbors, classmates and teachers. In this down-to-earth guidebook, the authors draw on their own family's experience with cancer as well as their professional expertise and stories from others to help families address the psychological impact of cancer. The result is a book filled with sound emotional guidance, useful information, and practical advice for families coping with cancer.
Trade ReviewThis book is an excellent roadmap for families who are faced with the shattering experience of having a child with cancer.
* University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine *
Noting individual differences in styles and preferences, the authors provide a detailed listing of ways for parents to help themselves and their children emotionally. These are concrete actions and strategies based on the experiences of those who have tried to adapt successfully to the diagnosis and treatment of a child with cancer…The book is recommended as a valuable resource for families, professionals and others who want to learn about coping with pediatric cancer.
* Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Navigating the Emotional Terrain
Chapter 2: Creating and Working With the Team: Doctors, Nurses, Health Insurers, Teachers, and Others
Chapter 3: Coping Successfully
Chapter 4: Understanding the Impact on Your Family and Friends
Chapter 5: Handling Emotions and Communicating Well
Chapter 6: Reducing Stress
Chapter 7: Alleviating Trauma
Chapter 8: Recognizing Special Risks for Stress and Trauma
Chapter 9: Relieving Pain and Side Effects
Chapter 10: Encouraging Child Development
Chapter 11: Building Self-Esteem in Your Child
Chapter 12: Dying and Grieving
Chapter 13: Surviving and Carrying the Torch
Bibliography
Resources
Author Index
Subject Index
About the Authors
