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Life after children's cancer
Most children will be cured and live long, fulfilled lives after their cancer treatment ends. However, it might take some time for you, your child and other members of your family to readjust and gain confidence in the future. This is normal, as you have been through a unique and demanding experience. There are many emotions to deal with, and you will have questions and reservations about what the future looks like.
It’s important to realise that ‘normal’ life will change in some ways. It might not be possible for things to go back to exactly the way they were before your child was diagnosed. This will depend on the type of cancer and treatment your child had.
As your child is a cancer survivor, doctors will need to monitor your child’s health and do follow up testing, which may include scans for a long time. These things will form a ‘new normal’ for you and your family.
This section will help you understand what ‘a new normal’ may look like, and how you can deal with it.
The Living with children’s cancer section has information about dealing with emotions for everyone involved. Some of this information is also useful after treatment ends.
You will probably have many questions about what will happen and what to do when your child's cancer treatment finishes. Here are some common questions to ask your child's doctor.
A diagnosis of cancer and the experience of treatment can affect the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the whole family. This section has specific guidance and advice for you, your child and other members of your family.
Cancer and its treatment can affect people long after the treatment has finished. This section gives information on some of the 'late effects' that can result from cancer treatments.
Your child will be monitored after treatment for any signs of the cancer returning. This section may help to deal with some of the anxieties and concerns you feel during your child's follow-up.