Following a childhood cancer diagnosis, parents may find relationships with those around them change, while they may also develop a number of new relationships during their child’s treatment. Here, Dr Amandeep Samrai, Consultant Clinical Psychologist in Paediatric Oncology at Nottingham Children’s Hospital, talks about how relationships can be both helpful and challenging during childhood cancer treatment.
Kay Lewis’ daughter, Maisy, was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes when she was nine months old. Kay explains what helped them after treatment, and how Maisy continues to inspire her.
Claire Bailey's daughter, Poppy, was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma in July 2020 aged four. She writes on how the relationships she’s formed with other families have provided support both during and after Poppy’s treatment.
Charlotte Hillyard’s daughter, Jess, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May 2023 aged three. Knowing the importance of peer-to-peer support, Charlotte and her husband, Lee, set up Walking Warriors Essex earlier this year to bring together families of children with cancer to share their feelings and experiences.
Penelope Hart-Spencer is a Health Play Specialist at the Proton Beam Therapy Centre at the Christie in Manchester and a member of the CCLG. In this role, she supports children undergoing cancer treatment who require CT/MRI scans, radiotherapy and proton beam therapy treatments, as well as other clinical procedures.
The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (EMCT) takes young people aged eight to 24 years old on free sailing and outdoor adventures to help rebuild their confidence after cancer. Scott Wilson, of the Trust’s communications team, and Rebecca and Simran, two of the young people it’s supported, describe how the trips help bring people with similar experiences together and why that’s important.
Caroline Cleaver is a proton beam liaison nurse at Manchester Children’s Hospital and CCLG member, whose twin sister was diagnosed with leukaemia when they were 19 years old. She tells us how this inspired her career in children’s cancer nursing and what helps her build relationships with patients and families under her care.
The relationship between oncologists and parents of children with cancer can be complex and unique, with each family having differing needs. Dr Ren Manias, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist at Southampton General Hospital and Contact's medical adviser, tells us how open and honest communication between doctors and parents is key to developing trust and understanding, and why this is important.
Sophie was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in April 2021 at the age of seven. Her mother, Tanya, shares her story.
