If problems develop, help can be obtained from hospital social workers or through individual counseling. Restructuring family life Childhood cancer does not strike only families with brave children and heroic parents. In the United States, the popular press has responded to people's fear of cancer by churning out story after story of people who faced the diagnosis with almost superhuman hope and strength. Families rally round, the community cheers, and human will triumphs over the evil of cancer. This simply is not always the case.
Most parents do find unexpected reserves of strength to deal with the crisis.
They survive the years of stress and pain, emerging different and sometimes stronger. Still, expectations of heroism are not appropriate. Keeping the household functioning Every family of a child with cancer needs massive assistance. It is important for families to recognize this early and learn not only to accept aid gracefully but also to ask for help when needed. As discussed earlier in the chapter, most family members, friends, neighbors, and church members want to help, but they need direction from the family on what is helpful but not intrusive.