5 Tips for Starting Treatment
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you feel like your world has come to an end. There is nothing that will make the situation any less painful, but there are things you can keep in mind to make it a little bit more manageable. These are five things that helped my husband and I the most.
Gabrial Latham
1. Keep communicating with your doctors.
No question is unreasonable. It may sometimes seem like your doctors have a thousand things to do, but they will make time to answer your most important questions. We asked ourselves time and time again, “Is that a stupid question?” The answer was no. You will feel a thousand times better after you ask your questions and get educated answers. When in doubt ask, ask, ask.
2. Have a pen and paper nearby at all times.
I can’t even tell you how many times my husband and I thought of an important question when Gabrial’s doctors weren’t in the room. The next time we saw one of his doctors we usually forgot to ask our questions. Write down your questions and carry that notepad with you everywhere, so when you see the doctors next, you can make the most of your time.
3. Don’t feel bad about getting away for a few hours.
Going out and having some quality couple time or even just some me time is probably one of the most important thing you can do to keep from losing your mind. It’s normal to feel guilty about leaving them, but it is necessary for your well being. Get out if only for a short time—cry, laugh, or even get some sleep. You will come back in a better state of mind to give your child your all.
4. Don’t get overwhelmed by statistics, and things you read on the Internet.
Depending on the type of cancer your child has, it can be hard to see all the facts and side effects associated with the cancer. Don’t let it consume your life. Every child reacts differently, and you cannot predict what’s to come for your child. Fight hard everyday; don’t ever become discouraged because your child feeds off of your strength. They need you at your best everyday. I never wanted to be rude to my friends and family, but I remember telling them to check their tears and pity at the door because Gabrial needed only our strength and love.
5. Take it one day at a time
The last and most important thing I think is crucial to maintaining your sanity is to just take it one day at a time, one minute at a time. If you live for what the future might hold, or what happened yesterday, it will drive you insane. Don’t try and take on more than you can handle, just focus on what the moment is bringing you, and let everything else fall into place. The phrase, “This too shall pass,” was etched into the front of my brain, so it was there with me everyday.
I hope that even one thing I have said will help you through this terrible time in your life.
Gabrial is now three years old. He was diagnosed at 18 months with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma. As Latham puts it, they “fought the beast”, for a year and a half before Gabrial went into remission.