Will this experience affect my child’s happiness and ability to enjoy life in the future?
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Treatment Duration
Depending on the diagnosis, your team of doctors will create your child's plan of treatment. In some cases, treatments are longer than others, and there may be ongoing treatment or therapy protocols. When treatment finishes, a range of emotions including relief, excitement, and apprehension can be experienced. It is a time of celebration, and for some, they find that they can be feeling a bit fearful too. Fearful about what the future holds, if the cancer will come back, will the diagnosis become worse. Some may also feel anxious to return to everyday life without continuous hospital contact. This is all normal, it is important to get the help when treatment has finished.
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Parents and caregivers may have some of the following questions after treatment finishes:
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Frequency of check ups
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What to do if a child develops a fever
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The diagnosis and the impact of children learning
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When to return to school
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Who to contact for questions and concerns
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When to get immunizations
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Coping with fear the cancer coming back, or regression of progress in any diagnosis
The Short Term
Most children are able to return to school full-time after they complete cancer treatment. Going back to school is a priority because it can give children a sense of normalcy and is an important part of their social and academic development. Some children feel excited about returning to school, while others feel upset or anxious. These are all normal reactions. Going back to school might be a challenge or a relief. It might give your child the comforting message that they have a future and potential for a full recovery from cancer.
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The Long Term
Every situation is unique, and everyone has a different set of hopes, goals and dreams. The important thing is to take small steps towards your bigger picture individually, and as a family. As a part of your health care team, we make those goals known, remind ourselves of our goals when things seem grim, and hold accountability to achieve what you want... we are in this together.
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