Coping with Kids’ Retinoblastoma

Kids’ retinoblastoma is a family crisis. For this reason, coping with kids’ retinoblastoma is difficult for the child as well as family members. Depending on the age of the child, he or she may not be fully capable of understanding the condition and necessary treatment process. For this reason, it is especially important for parents and family members to care for themselves in as many ways as they attempt to care for the patient. Many retinoblastoma treatment centers provide support services for families coping with kids’ retinoblastoma.

Methods for Coping

When facing a kids’ retinoblastoma diagnosis and treatment, children and families should actively seek methods to aid the coping process. The cancer team at the kids’ retinoblastoma treatment facility can often provide emotional and psychological assistance to children and families. Additionally, a number of community resources are often available to further assist.

Taking Care of Yourself

When caring for a child with kids’ retinoblastoma and dealing with the treatment process and specialists, many family members forget to care for themselves. It is crucial for parents and other family members to take time to tend to their own needs. In many cases, family members often forfeit sleeping, eating, exercising, and taking breaks from the chaos of treatment. This can amplify stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. Additionally, it can hinder a family member’s ability to take care of the child.

Reaching Out

Children and families can improve their coping with kids’ retinoblastoma by utilizing as many resources as possible. Many families seek support and guidance from extended family, workplaces, places of worship, or community programs. Families who may need additional assistance in particular areas should speak with a social worker on the child’s cancer treatment team. Social workers and other kids’ retinoblastoma specialists can often refer families to valuable resources for coping with kids’ retinoblastoma.

Kids’ Retinoblastoma Professional Support

Many kids’ retinoblastoma treatment centers are equipped with a full staff trained to provide treatment for children and support for families. A number of kids’ retinoblastoma specialists are integrated into the child’s treatment plan. These specialists work to provide careful development, coordination, and implementation of treatment for each patient’s individual condition. The child’s medical, emotional, and daily needs are met by specialists in all cancer-related disciplines.

Families may benefit from the expertise of a number of kids’ retinoblastoma specialists, such as:

• Pediatric oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists
• Pediatric specialists from medical subspecialties such as radiology and ophthalmology
• Pediatric oncology nurses
• Psycho-oncologists, education specialists, and social workers