• How severe is my child’s aplastic anemia, and what does that mean? • What treatment choices are available? • What treatment do you recommend and why?
• What are the risks or side effects during the treatment? • What are the risks and side effects after the treatment?
• What are my child’s chances for survival? • What are the chances for recurrence?
n ARE MY FEELINGS NORMAL? Hearing that your child has a serious illness is often shocking and overwhelming. Parents often feel numb and have a hard time believing the diagnosis. It is important to know that this is normal and expected. Most families have difficulty processing all of the information the healthcare team is providing to them. However, with time, information will be absorbed. Many families feel somehow responsible for their child’s disease. Feelings of guilt because they could not protect their child from illness or about the amount of time it took to diagnose the child also are com- mon. This disease is not caused by anything that you did or did not do. The cause of aplastic anemia is usually not known. Feelings of sadness, anger, and helplessness about your child’s diagnosis also are common. These feel- ings are normal. Each member of the family may express these emotions in different ways and at different times. Talking honestly with one another about these feelings, emotions, and reactions will help everyone in the family. Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong way to feel. Everyone needs the chance to express their feelings when they are ready and in their own way. Talking to friends, family, and members of the healthcare team can be difficult at times, but expressing your feelings can help you cope. Your child will benefit from family and friends showing their care through communication and support.
n HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD? Children often think that something they did caused their illness; reinforce that this is not the case. Make sure your child understands that your feelings of anger and sadness are directed at the disease and not at him or her. This will help to keep your relationship honest and to maintain closeness. Your child will
need to share his or her feelings with someone whom he or she trusts. Sometimes, children choose to share their feelings with someone other than a parent because they are afraid they
might upset the parent. Don’t be afraid to ask your child about his or her feelings—it may be what your child is waiting for. Also, don’t be afraid to share information with your child about what is happening and why it is happening. The things children imagine on their own often are more frightening than what is actually happening. In spite of your child’s disease, keep in mind
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