Resources
Childhood cancer: Feeling out of control
As a parent of a child with cancer, it’s normal to feel out of control at times.
Managing medications, appointments, hospital visits, finances, work and the needs of other family members means there will be times when you feel overwhelmed.
Even though there are many challenges, big and small, there are still things you can do to feel more in control. Here are some practical strategies parents have shared with us.
Even short hospital stays can test us, and this is one of the places parents tell us they feel least in control.
One minute you’re really upset, then you’ve got one doctor going one way, another doctor doing this test, your head’s spinning.
Here are some of the small, practical things parents shared that helped them gain a sense of control in hospital:
Cancer treatment involves a team of health professionals. Your child’s treatment team may include oncologists, surgeons, nurses, dietitians, physiotherapists and social workers, to name a few. Each of these health professionals will have information about your child’s treatment.
Keeping track of this information is one way to create a sense of control. Alongside pen and paper, here are some online tools you might find useful:
At any stage of your child’s treatment, connecting with a Redkite Social Worker can be a way to regain a sense of control. Redkite Social Workers can work with you to find your strengths, sources of support, and strategies to make day-to-day life easier.
Here are some of the ways you can connect during your child’s treatment:
More information
Related resources
Making your hospital stay more comfortable: what other parents say
Having to stay in hospital can bring about different challenges. Parents have shared some tips to help you feel more comfortable and to seek support you might need.
Making your hospital stay more comfortable: what other parents say
Having to stay in hospital can bring about different challenges. Parents have shared some tips to help you feel more comfortable and to seek support you might need.
Other childhood cancer support services
A list of childhood cancer support services in Australia
Other childhood cancer support services
A list of childhood cancer support services in Australia
Budgeting during treatment
Many people find cancer brings extra financial demands. Often income decreases while expenses increase.
Budgeting during treatment
Many people find cancer brings extra financial demands. Often income decreases while expenses increase.
Managing family relationships
Going through cancer treatment can lead to some very positive experiences in relationships, but the stress can also cause immense strain.
Managing family relationships
Going through cancer treatment can lead to some very positive experiences in relationships, but the stress can also cause immense strain.
