1. Support from a psycho-oncologist
2. Fatigue in cancer
3. Fear and cancer

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When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their life is split in two: in the hospital – when they see themselves only as a patient, and out of it – when they can be themselves. Cancer creates a breach between their hospital life and home life. It is important that the patient maintains the nurturing relationships from the time before the disease to benefit from their support. A child and his or her family should be helped to understand that the disease has not made the child different from their peer group. A psychologist can help the child to understand their reactions that may sometimes seem unnatural, while it is the situation that is unnatural, not the child. It is best when the parents continue to perform their parenting responsibilities: provide the child with education, help him or her grow and develop. A psychologist can help them to see that the disease should not affect the division of rights and responsibilities in the parent – child patient, child patient – sibling, parent – sibling relationships. The right approach will result in healthy behaviours in the future, which will translate into the child's relationships and success in life. Many people are involved in the treatment of the child: doctors, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, preachers. The patient's family, loved ones and friends form a crucial support group. There are also teachers and foundations cooperating with the Clinic. It is vital that all parties trust one another and work hand in hand to help the patient go through the treatment and get back to health. With the rapid progress psychology has enjoyed in the recent years (in the medical sense – psychooncology / psychosomatics / psychology of health and disease), as well as remembering the beneficial impact of psychological assistance during the disease, the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth of Mother and Child employs two psychologists / counsellors with relevant postgraduate psychooncological training, members of Polish Psychooncologists Association. In-house psychological assistance consist of supporting and accompanying the patients and their families in solving problems related to the disease, in the course of the treatment and all related procedures. This includes assistance in handling other issues that can potentially affect the treatment and recovery. Psychological assistance extends beyond the treatment period and is offered also to patients who are dealing with other cancer-related issues. The psychologist conducts therapy sessions with the child patient and parents, observes the child / the family, works closely with the personnel of the oncology unit. They also provides psychological training by teaching parents about healthy parenting behaviours, eliminates popular misconceptions related to cancer and, if needed, uses also psychotherapeutic techniques. Dear children, parents, siblings and other whom it may concern: feel free to contact us, talk, ask questions. Be open, curious, inquisitive. We are available at the Department of Oncology and Surgical Oncology for Children and Youth or in the Clinic's office. You can also contact us via e-mail. Joanna Kmita (psychologist / counsellor / psychooncology expert) joanna.kmita@imid.med.pl Aleksandra Tobota (psychologist / counsellor / psychooncology expert) aleksandra.tobota@imid.med.pl

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Treating a child's cancer is a long and intensive process. It affects many aspects of your life, including sense of security, family relationships, physical condition. It happens that people undergoing oncological treatment feel tired, sometimes lethargic and “uncomfortable”. This phenomenon is not a worsening of your health, nor is your treatment working. This feeling of apathy may last for a short time or longer, and may persist for several weeks after the end of treatment.

 

There can be many reasons for this:

• the intensity of cancer research
• treatment used: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, bone marrow transplant
• bothersome side effects of treatment, e.g. bothersome vomiting, decreased appetite
• anemia (low red blood cell counts)
• infections that the child is more susceptible to now
• a multitude of activities related to treatment (frequent visits to doctors, clinics, long waiting times in waiting rooms)
• disturbed rhythm of the day (the hospital is open around the clock; sounds, hum, murmur related to the activity of other people may be disturbing; it may cause a change in habits or impede regeneration and restful sleep)
• chronic stress and anxiety related to cancer.

How to counteract fatigue?

Sleeping and taking a short nap helps everyone recover, but sometimes we can do more.

It is worth observing the child to find repeated cycles of energy decline and situations that positively affect his well-being.

You should take care that the diet is balanced and high in protein. As a rule, children are used to the tastes from their mother's or grandma's kitchen. Hospitals, unfortunately, do not serve meals of high taste, so even if we do not have anyone here to deliver home meals, it is sometimes worth doing something in the hospital kitchenette. Due to the chemotherapy burdening the digestive system, we do not recommend continuous fast food meals, which are not recommended by nutritionists even for healthy people. Meals should also be served more often, but in smaller portions. Walking can be difficult in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but it is worth encouraging the child to be active that stimulates the digestive system (facilitates defecation).

For medical reasons, during the so-called falls, your doctor may recommend medications or transfusions of blood and blood products to help the body regenerate.

It is also worth encouraging other activities, e.g. participation in school activities or volunteer activities, if possible and at the age of the child. Our friends' colleagues of the Clinic try to make our charges smile as often as possible, so that hospital boredom and separation from home is as little annoying as possible.

We should also remember that you can use the help of a psycho-oncologist who is on the ward. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a lot of difference: it can ease emotions or improve your mood.

All such activities contribute to finding positive moments in the difficulties of treatment. Positive thinking increases the energy level, which positively influences the results of the therapy. Know that the patient's smile is one of the nicest elements of our work.

Think positive - it works, also in cancer!

 

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Cancer disrupts the existing internal and external order, putting every person at the same time in the face of experiences that he has never experienced in his life.

The first moment of emotional suffering of the Child and the Family is the fear of being diagnosed with a cancer disease, the fear of recognizing the disease, followed by the fear of starting therapy and the fear of pain.

Hospitalization and usually the length of treatment programs make children and adolescents fear loneliness, separation, night and darkness.

• medicine against pain and suffering
• drug against disability, injury, change of appearance
• fear of losing hair
• fear of isolation
• fear of losing contact with the environment, with friends
• fear of losing contact with family and siblings
• fear of rejection
• fear of losing love
• fear of social stigma and evaluation
• fear of death
• drug fear of losing control
• fear of psychological and physical dependence on others
• fear of restriction of freedom of movement
• fear of the new environment
• fear of lowering the quality of life
• drug in front of the unknown

According to the recommendations of the Psychosocial Committee, it is beneficial when a seriously ill child is looked after for a long time by the same doctor or a team of doctors. This allows for the creation of an atmosphere of safety, the emergence of an emotional bond between the doctor and the patient and his family, and the maintenance of continuity of medical care. The consequence of the sense of security of patients and their families is their cooperation with the doctor and compliance with his recommendations - so important in the entire treatment process.

We also encourage you to use the advice and talks with a psycho-oncologist, he will help the patient and his family to adapt to the new situation, and skillfully talk about fears and doubts. It will help you understand the treatment, withstand its effects, and help you deal with your emotions.