Why do I have to stay in the hospital?
The hospital is a place where doctors and nurses help you to get better. However, it is normal for anyone to feel scared, anxious, confused, angry or frustrated about having to stay in the hospital. When you know why you have to stay in the hospital, you will feel more safe and less anxious. Ask your doctor or parents to explain to you the process and what you can expect. Don’t be scared to ask questions about the tests, treatment or check-ups. Some things might be a little uncomfortable, but you can always tell a parent, nurse or doctor if something worries you. The hospital is where doctors can watch you closely and give you the treatment that works best. At home, you don’t have all the special equipment you need to treat your cancer. While you are in the hospital, you will not be alone. The nurses, doctors and the medical team who treat you will explain to you how things work and when at first you don’t understand what they are saying, you can ask them to explain it to you again. The good news is that when the treatment is over, you will be able to go home.
- Ask questions about the treatment, medicine or if it is going to hurt so that you know what to expect.
- Tell the nurses and doctors how you feel, especially when you feel anxious or have pain
- Listen carefully when the nurses or doctors give you instructions. When you do as they ask, for example to sit still for a test or take your medication, it will help you to heal faster and prevent having to do things over and over again.
- Do things that make you feel comfortable or relaxed like listening to music, play games on your iPad or phone or play with your favourite toy.
- Ask if there is a hospital school in the hospital that you can go to or if there is a teacher that can come to you to help you with schoolwork. It will take your mind off the hospital environment and stimulate your mind if you do your schoolwork or play educational games. However, it is not a problem if you can’t get to school or are too tired to have a teacher come to your bedside.
- Take things with you to the hospital that bring you comfort like your favourite pyjamas, toy, blanket or a stuffed animal.
- Your favourite books, colouring books, tablets or games could bring you lots of joy – don’t forget to pack them.
- Some hospitals and treatment protocols have certain food , so first ask the doctor if you are allowed to bring your snacks with you.
Read More:
- Canadian Cancer Society. (n.d.). Coping with hospital stays. https://cancer.ca/en/living-with-cancer/your-child-has-cancer/coping-with-a child-s-cancer/coping-with-hospital-stays?utm_source
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Talking With Children About Cancer. http://dana-farber.org/patient-family/support-services/family connections/for-patients/talking-children-about-cancer?utm_source
- Texas Children's Hospital and Hematology Centers. 2013. A Child’s Guide to the Center.
https://www.texaschildrens.org/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/a-childs-guide.pdf - Cancer Council NSW. (n.d.). Hospital visits. https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/for-family-and-friends/talking-to-kids about-cancer/treatment/hospital-visits/?utm_source
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What is happening to me?
You may ask: “Why is this happening to me? Will I be ok? Why do I have to go through this? What happens if I don’t get better?”
I don’t understand my illness?
You have been diagnosed with something called cancer.
Our bodies are made up of tiny blocks called cells. Normal cells grow, work and when our bodies don’t need them anymore, or they get old or damaged, they die in a controlled way. This is called apoptosis! When you have cancer, it starts with one of these normal cells growing faster and out of control and not dying when they should. These, now abnormal or cancer cells form lumps, called tumours, or affect blood cells that lead to leukaemia (cancer of the blood). The cancer cells can spread to any part of the body via the blood stream or lymphatic system. Cancer is not contagious; you didn’t do anything to cause it as it is a mistake that gets made in your DNA (just like we can all make mistakes that we didn’t do on purpose!)
How do I cope as a patient?
The childhood cancer journey is a tough one, not only because of the treatment, but also because of the emotions, changes, and uncertainties that come with it. Nobody (patient, parents, families) can do it on their own. As a childhood cancer community, we are here to walk the journey with you. Remember that it is not your fault that you have cancer and you did nothing to cause it. Focus on today (the present) and take things one step, one treatment, one day at a time. Learn to lean on others and let people support you; you don’t have to be strong all the time.