Your kid made it. They got through treatment, they rang the bell, and they’ve finally been declared cancer-free! This is a moment of celebration. But now, the journey of survivorship begins. It comes with its own unique challenges – mental, physical, and emotional. Things don’t automatically go back to normal. It’s up to you to facilitate and encourage a healthy life after cancer.
Here are some focus points that may help kids get back to normal after completing their cancer treatment:
Regular medical check-ups and follow-up appointments with the oncology team are crucial. Your team cares about your child. Follow-up appointments help ensure there are no complications or recurrences of cancer. Keep these appointments and heed the recommendations of your child’s care team.
Encourage open communication about feelings and emotions. Some children experience anxiety, fear, or uncertainty post-treatment. They might be afraid of the cancer coming back. Being declared cancer-free doesn’t end the emotional and mental struggles of their journey. Encourage your child to express themselves through journaling, art, and therapy.
Because cancer treatment and complications can disrupt school attendance, some children fall behind. The transition, too, of going from homeschooling or tutoring to returning to the classroom can be difficult. Work with the school to create a plan for the child’s return. Their teachers should be informed of their experience so they can empathize and understand their unique academic challenges.
Physical therapy may be necessary to help your child regain strength, coordination, and mobility. After all, treatment and certain procedures can impact strength and stamina. Under healthcare professionals’ guidance, gradually reintroduce physical activity as part of the recovery process. Encourage sports, outdoor play, and age-appropriate exercise.
Emphasize the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support overall well-being. Cancer treatment often compromises the immune system. As a parent or caregiver, do everything you can to encourage a healthy lifestyle to help your child regain strength and fend off illnesses. Healthy habits now lay the groundwork for lifelong health.
Cancer disrupts normalcy, period. It doesn’t matter how intensive or long their treatment lasted. Children rely on routine and predictability for a sense of security. While a tight schedule isn’t necessary, some reliability and predictability are helpful. Designate family nights. Hold a bedtime routine. Have meals together as a family. These might seem small, but they can help ease lingering anxieties.
Acknowledge and celebrate milestones and achievements, whether big or small. Academic progress, increased physical ability, creative endeavors…no matter what it is, celebrate your child. Express your pride. Things may seem harder post-treatment, and your encouragement makes a world of difference.
Be aware of potential late effects of cancer treatments and address them promptly. Regular medical check-ups can help detect issues, but you, at home, are the first line of defense. Talk to your child’s care team about what to look for and pay close attention. Don’t ignore warning signs.
Your child’s social life may have suffered throughout their cancer journey. Whether because of misunderstandings about cancer or being unable to see friends in person, they might feel disconnected from their friends and peers. Help coordinate opportunities to reconnect and rebuild meaningful relationships with other kids their age.
The family is the number one place for support. Cancer affects everyone. It affects the patient the most. It’s so important to be there and present for your child post-treatment. Heaven forbid they feel they have to be sick to receive care and attention! Talk with siblings. Communicate with one another. Let your child know that you are a safe person. And remember – take care of yourself.
This journey is tough on parents, too. Mindfully process your own emotions with the help of a parent support group or therapist. This will help you better care for your children and address their emotional needs.
At the end of the day, completing cancer treatment is cause for celebration. It marks the end of arguably the most challenging part of the journey. But it’s not the end. Continue to be attentive, informed, and intentional as you and your family navigate life after childhood cancer.