While it is true that terminal patients often receive palliative care, the concept encompasses much more than that. In fact, good palliation is something that parents should advocate for on behalf of their child from the moment of diagnosis. Palliation is also used to describe medical care directed towards meeting the child's physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs and can be used in combination with therapies aimed at curing or reducing the disease.
Good palliation means adequate pain control has been ensured.
Sadly, many children will not respond to treatment, and the unthinkable becomes the inevitable. For a parent, it is an excruciating experience filled with a profound sadness. Making the decision to end all forms of aggressive therapy is deeply personal. Some parents wish to continue trying every available treatment option, while others come to a point where they decide to focus on the quality of their child's remaining time. Only a parent can make this decision, relying on the supportive guidance of the child's physician.