Once the diagnosis is made, it helps to share the news with those close to you. Whenever possible, you should be accompanied to the doctor by a family member, or friend. If often helps to take a small notebook along to write down the information and to keep a record of your visits and treatments. If you are a parent, children should be given information in terms they can understand. Answer questions simply and honestly but offer no more information than is asked for.
Children have remarkable insight, and they can be a source of joy and comfort.
Sensing changes at home, children will often misinterpret or imagine incorrect causes if they are not told the truth. Children may benefit from being told that nothing they could have said, wished or done made it happen. Children often like to share in the experience of concern and helping the patient. Assigning simple tasks to them will make them feel more important and needed. Patient education materials can provide a basis for discussion with the treating physicians by suggesting topics, important questions, and explaining medical terms.