Hospice Care for Cancer Patients In Walnut Creek City, California

When a young individual is diagnosed with cancer, their entire world is turned upside down. Instead of going to school or college, hanging out with friends and concentrating on the phase of growing up, these young individuals may be forced to deal with hospital stays, blood draws, tests, medication, surgery or other treatments.

For everyone in the family, the first few weeks can be terrifying and stressful. When young adults learn of a cancer diagnosis, they often experience a spectrum of emotions similar to those experienced by their parents. The individual’s age, developmental stage and personality all have an impact on how they react.

Parents and trusted caregivers have a unique understanding of their child that the cancer team does not. Although the hospice and pain management care team have experience treating young individuals with cancer, you are the expert of your child. Because of your knowledge, you will be a key member of the treatment team that will collaborate to help your child get through the initial few weeks after diagnosis. This section discusses how to convey age-appropriate information about cancer and the reactions that children and young adults may have, as well as recommendations for creating routines and staying connected to life outside of disease.

Informing Your Child About Cancer

It may seem more convenient to try to safeguard children and teenagers from cancer by not discussing their diagnosis and treatment with them. When children and teenagers are sick, go through tests and see adults having hushed conversations with health care specialists, they realize something serious is going on. If children and teenagers are given honest and age-appropriate information about their cancer from the start, they will be less frightened and afraid. Having access to knowledge also aids their coping process and fosters trust in their caregivers.

Depending on their age and other developmental circumstances, children grasp what is going on in different ways. Consult your cancer care team for resources to assist you in talking with your kid about their diagnosis. Some families prefer that the information be given to the adults first and then shared with the children. Other families have discovered that hearing information from the cancer care team as a group works well. You have the option of having the cancer care team speak with your kid while you are there or you can choose to share the information with your child and a select trusted friends or family members on your own. Based on their age group, here are some broad guidelines for talking with children about their cancer.

Infants & Young Kids (0 to 2 years)

When their daily routines at home are maintained, they feel more secure.
Being near to, cuddled and cared for by their parents and trusted caretakers provides comfort.
When the cancer pain management in hospice and palliative care team enters the room, they may be afraid of strangers and cry, making it difficult to communicate with them.

Preschoolers & Toddlers (2 years To 5 years)

The name of their cancer, basic data about therapies, and basic information on how day-to-day living will alter should all be provided.
It’s possible that medical play with particular dolls or activities meant to teach youngsters about their therapy will help them understand what’s going on.
They must understand that nothing they said, thought or did contribute to this.
It’s important for them to understand that it’s not something they can get from other people, pets or the environment.

School-Aged Children (6 years to 12 years)

They may have their own views about what cancer is, so asking kids what they know about cancer early on can be beneficial.
They should be informed of the type of cancer they have and how it will be treated.
Will require details on what happens at school and in other activities while undergoing treatment.
They must be assured that they will not be penalized for something they have done wrong. Changes in appearance may raise questions and concerns.
Maybe they’ll inquire if they’re going to die. What Should You Do If Your Child Asks If They Will Die?
Reading books about or talking with other children their age who have cancer can be beneficial (some hospitals have computer systems with information and digital games geared toward teaching children with cancer).
They need to know that you will always strive to tell them the truth, and that asking questions or sharing feelings when they are sad, worried or fearful is a good thing to do

Children & Teens (12-18 years)

Will be able to comprehend more complicated information concerning their cancer, such as treatment options, procedures and risks as well as benefits.
As much as possible, should hear diagnosis and treatment information directly from the health care staff.
Connecting with individuals their age who have cancer could be beneficial.
May be concerned about changes in appearance, such as weight gain or hair loss.
Maybe they’ll inquire if they’re going to die. What Should You Do If Your Child Asks If They Will Die?
Typically, they want to know if they can still participate in “typical” adolescent activities like partying, school activities and hanging out with their pals.
You may have a strong understanding of adult cancer but need more information about how cancer affects children and teenagers.
Should be given the opportunity to participate in treatment decisions and hear what is being advised.
They might benefit from communicating with social workers and psychologists on the hospice and pain management teams about their experiences while their primary caregivers are not there.

Understanding How Kids And Teens React To A Cancer Diagnosis

When a child or teen is diagnosed with cancer and begins treatment, they react in a variety of ways. There are some common characteristics that you may notice in people of all ages as part of the usual process of adjusting to a major illness. It is normal to feel stressed after receiving a cancer diagnosis but even typical reactions can be difficult to handle without the assistance and counsel of specialists who specialize in assisting children with cancer. Discuss working with a psychologist or social worker with our hospice and pain management team. These professionals are frequently found in cancer facilities and will visit you and your family to discuss your concerns and offer support.

Cancer In Young Children

Afraid of being apart from parents.
Painful medical treatments make you fearful and upset.
Withdraw and avoid social interaction.
Hold on to your parents.
Not walking, talking or self-feeding on a regular basis for their age.
To help with stranger fear, just a small number of pain management from hospice and palliative care team members are required to look after them.

Cancer In Toddlers And Preschoolers

Continue to old habits like thumb sucking or bedwetting.
Painful medical treatments make you fearful and upset.
Maintain a consistent routine for medical procedures such as blood draws, medication administration and visits to the hospital or clinic.
Might love getting a sticker on a sticker chart for each action.
Make a list of all the questions you want to ask.

Cancer in School-Aged Children

Be irritated by school disruptions
Miss visiting old classmates and friends
Demonstrate rage and grief over the loss of health, education and a regular life
Fear that they are to blame for the cancer
Fear that cancer will “catch” you
More emotional and social support from family and friends is a good idea

Cancer In teens

Be bothered by the interruption of school and their social activities.
Be irritated by changes in their physical appearance.
They believe their independence is in danger.
Exhibit strong emotional reactions.
Concentrate on the meaning of life and the impact of cancer on one’s identity.
Take risks that may result in complications.
Parents, doctors and treatments are all targets for resistance.

When seeing your Child go through Cancer Therapy you can contact Melodia Care for further information on how to assist children cope after the first few weeks of treatment, including information about hospice and pain management.

Children and teenagers will manage better if they see their loved ones coping well with stress. Melodia care support can provide you with more information on how to manage your personal stress. In the first few weeks, there are some critical things you can do to assist your child or teen in adjusting. Here are some broad strategies for assisting them in adjusting during the first few weeks following their diagnosis and beyond:

Request assistance from team members who specialize in assisting with early coping, such as Child Life Specialists, Psychologists and Social Workers.
Consider your parenting style and try not to adjust your expectations for their conduct because of cancer; keeping things the same helps your child.
Encourage your child or teen to talk to you, another trusted caregiver or a member of the hospice care team about their feelings.
Encourage playtime and activities to keep you occupied during painful procedures or long hospital stays or clinic visits.
Consult your oncology team about how to manage treatment side effects so that your kid feels as comfortable as possible during treatment.
Inquire with your child’s cancer care team about when he or she can return to school and other activities. Even if they are unable to participate, they may be able to observe or attend school part-time.
Maintain contact with your adolescent’s or teen’s classmates.
Inquire about visits from various types of support therapists during hospital stays or clinic appointments; many hospitals offer pet therapy, music therapy and art therapy.
During hospital stays and clinic visits, inquire about educational services; some hospitals have professionals on staff who may assist with schoolwork once your child is well enough.
Look for cancer support groups for older children and teens; our cancer care team can give you with information on what’s available.
When it’s appropriate, give your child options. Older children can often assist in the recording of medications that are most effective in treating side effects such as nausea or pain.

Identifying When A Child Requires Further Assistance

Many families find that managing cancer becomes a little easier after the first few weeks. Although the fears and hardships that cancer brings will not go away, families will have gained a better understanding of what to expect and will find that day-to-day living has become more predictable. It may take a little longer for certain youngsters and teenagers.

Most children with cancer can cope with help over time but there are moments when it becomes too much. Even after the first few weeks of treatment, if a child appears to be having a lot of problems adjusting, they may benefit from some additional support. Extra support is required if a child:

Is unable to cope with his or her unhappiness.
Is depressed all of the time.
Unable to be consoled.
Irritability is at an all-time high.
Becomes extremely enraged in a short period of time.
At home or in the hospital, refuses to take critical medications.
Refuses to be treated.
Refuses to visit the doctor’s office or the hospital.
Withdraws or isolates himself.
Grieved a lot.
Has a hard time sleeping.

These are warning indicators that should be discussed with the child’s physician as soon as possible. At the cancer hospice center, you can speak with a psychologist or social worker who can assess the child and ensure that they receive the assistance they require. A youngster may need to see a psychiatrist for medication or counselling on rare times.

For additional information on survival statistics for your child’s cancer kind, please contact us; Melodia Care is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can reach us at any time of day or night by contacting us through our 24/7 online customer support chat or by calling 1-888 635-6347 (MELODI-7) 24/7.