If a family member, close friend, or loved one of your child or teen is diagnosed with cancer, it may feel confusing where to start.

Having a child or teen diagnosed with cancer can be devastating to a family. Parents may wrestle with how to understand disease and treatment, make decisions, and move forward, all while trying to protect their child. Children may feel confused or struggle to adjust to treatment and all the new healthcare team members.

Sometimes goals of care change from curative, or keeping disease stable, to comfort care and maintaining quality of life. We can help you answer questions like these:How do I talk to my family?What should I put in my advance directive?What is hospice and how can it help?How do I set goals and live in the present?How can I manage my fears and maintain control?We are here for you and can guide you on what to expect—emotionally and physically.

What should I say? Should I ask them about their cancer?What is my role in my loved one’s cancer care?What if we disagree about treatment decisions or managing side effects?When do I call the doctor?How can I share my concerns or fears?How can we escape the caregiver/patient relationship and connect more deeply?How do I provide care when I live far away?As you work to meet your loved one’s physical and emotional needs, it’s important to take care of your own. If you feel overwhelmed, we can help you manage.

Nutrition for CaregiversTalking with Children and Teens About a Cancer DiagnosisTips for CaregiversAmerican Cancer Society Caregivers and Family: Tells what to expect if you become a caregiver for a person with cancer, and shares tips for taking care of yourself.Cancer.NET: Provides a wide range of information such as providing care at home, long-distance caregiving, caregiving at the hospital, exploring new caregiver options, and taking care of yourself.CaringBridge: Offers personal, protected websites for every health journey.

Good nutrition is important for caregivers. Individuals who devote a lot of time and energy to taking care of others may overlook their own needs. There are several factors that may affect the caregiver’s nutritional status.Demands on Time and EnergyLack of time or energy can lead to missing meals or eating on the run. Convenience foods may be loaded with calories and low in nutrients.Keep nutritious snacks handy.

It is important from the time of diagnosis to be honest when talking with children or adolescents about cancer and your family member’s diagnosis and treatment. Keep your children and teens informed and updated on a regular basis and let them know about each next step.What to say and how:Give correct but age-appropriate information.

Caregivers are at increased risk for physical and mental health problems, so remember to take excellent care of yourself. Eat well, get sufficient sleep, take breaks, and find ways to manage stress. Learn to say yes when assistance is offered. This is especially true if you are the primary caregiver.Listen; don’t try to fix.It is common that caregivers feel the need to “do something” or “help,” as you might often feel helpless while caring for someone you love. Many times the greatest gift you can give to your loved one is to just listen.

Whether your loved one died recently or more than a year ago, life may seem surreal or flat to you, and you might be feeling separate and apart from others. You may be asking questions like these:Why do I feel so confused? Is this normal?How do I connect with someone who understands? Find meaning?I have little energy. How long does grief last?How can I deal with my anger, guilt, or regret?How do I help my child or teen who is grieving?While grief is a normal, healing emotion, experiencing it can be hard.

As a child or teen attempts to cope with the death of a loved one, they can become overwhelmed by complex and confusing feelings. They may have many questions. These feelings and worries may be difficult for a child or teen to identify and understand. While grief is a normal, healing emotion, the experience of it is often difficult and painful. Our licensed therapists are trained in evidence-based approaches to support grief and bereavement in children and teens.