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Whether your child has just finished chemo or they’re a 5-year survivor, scans are always scary. The potential of cancer returning is terrifying, especially when you know how difficult and devastating treatment can be. Scan anxiety, or what has become known as “scanxiety” can be crippling, even years after the end of treatment. If you or your child is experiencing scanxiety, try out some of …
Vacations can seem nearly impossible when your family is facing cancer, but sometimes a relaxing getaway is just what a family needs to wind down and heal together. Whether your trip consists of a flight across the country or just a drive across town, here are some tips on how to plan a cancer-friendly vacation. Surprise your kids. Cancelling a vacation can be extremely disappointing …
I went to that place once. For just a moment, I thought about what could have been, and I almost lost every spark of joy I had left. Despair almost won.
Rallying families to share their children’s stories isn’t easy, because I ask them to open doors to the most intense pain. I share with them how I became involved in the world of childhood cancer. I let them know that my son survived brain cancer, even if their children haven’t survived their diagnoses. I share how they can be a catalyst to move research forward, …
When you lose someone close, it’s the memories that bring them back to life again. The holidays are particularly hard, so when my heart aches for Zach and I need to feel close to him again, I put on my headphones, tap on a playlist of songs from when he was alive and I travel back to better times when he was still here. I replay the memories much like I replay the songs, both are well worn and loved.
You’ve picked out a great card for someone you know who is facing cancer or another serious illness. You have your pen in hand, but what to write? You don’t want to write the wrong thing, but you want them to know you care. Here are some phrases to help you start: Dear [name], “I am so sorry for the struggle you are going through, …
This piece was originally posted on Jane’s blog, soothingthespirit.com. When you have a child with cancer, social media can provide a wonderful lifeline of support. When Claire was sick I used Caring Bridge to communicate updates to the myriads of supportive people who were following her story throughout treatment. I know many have also used Facebook to do the same. Living with pediatric cancer can …
