Parents, Marriage, and Family

January 11, 2010

The tasks, obligations and emotions related to having a child with a serious illness can strain even a strong marriage and family. Divorced or separated parents should try to put their personal differences aside in order to help their child. Single parents may need even more support from the extended family and community. Here are [...]

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Follow-up and Rehabilitation

January 11, 2010

Your child probably will be making regular visits to doctors or other specialists to follow up on his or her treatment. Some of the specialists who may help your child: Neuro-radiologist One way to monitor your child is to conduct regular MRI or CT scans. Keep your own copies of child’s scans in case your [...]

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Changes in Physical Appearance

January 11, 2010

For children (especially teen-agers) self esteem and self confidence are often closely related to physical appearance. Changes in appearance may lead to an altered self image. A common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation treatment is hair loss, which will occur in varying degrees from child to child and treatment to treatment. While bald patches [...]

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Nutritional Needs

January 11, 2010

Good nutrition is an important part of your child’s treatment. Try to keep your child’s diet as normal as possible. Your child’s body needs to heal and gain strength in order to resume normal activities and sustain any treatment. After surgery, temporary nausea and vomiting may occur simply due to the procedure itself. Steroids can [...]

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Helping Siblings Cope

January 11, 2010

When your child is diagnosed with a brain tumor, it’s not uncommon for the other children in the family to feel deprived of emotional support at a time when they, too, desperately need it. They may be carrying a heavy load of fear, grief and confusion, coupled with anger, jealousy and guilt. They may not [...]

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Financial Assistance

January 11, 2010

The pediatric social worker will help explore sources of financial aid for which your child may be eligible. The hospital financial office may also be able to help you make credit arrangements or see if you qualify for public or private sources of financial assistance. Here are some sources of financial help: Medicaid provides health [...]

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Dealing With Your Insurance Company

January 11, 2010

Educate yourself. Know about your child’s illness and why referrals to specialists are needed. Review a copy of your policy and review it carefully. Find out exactly what services are covered and how the payment system works. Be aware of life-time limits (often $1 million), and research purchasing additional coverage. Ask for one”case manager” at [...]

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The Financial Picture

January 11, 2010

Bills add up rapidly. Even with good insurance coverage for your child’s medical bills, there will be non-medical expenses like phone calls, extra gas, tolls, meals away from home, child care and lost wages. Keep receipts! Some of these expenses may be tax deductible. You should receive all the financial aid and insurance benefits you [...]

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When to Call Your Doctor

January 11, 2010

Before leaving the hospital, discuss with your doctors (and write down in your notebook) what signs and symptoms you might expect to see during your child’s recovery period as well as what constitutes an emergency, and where to take your child if an emergency occurs. Collect prescriptions for all medicines you might possibly need. A [...]

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Going Home

January 11, 2010

Going home can be exciting and joyous, as fearful, for the whole family. It can be hard to leave the security of your doctors and nurses, even though they are only a phone call away. These guidelines will help ease the transition: The hospital’s social services department or nursing staff can help you plan for [...]

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