How do you build a support network when going through cancer treatment?

Never feel that you are going through it alone

Support will always be there for you when you are going through treatment and it is important to remember that you should never feel that you are going through it alone.

Family

Your family will be your first support network and will help you understand what will happen during your treatment. They will talk you through it and be there if you are ever unsure at what is happening around you. Don’t be afraid to ask, as I am sure your family would much rather know when something is worrying you or if you don’t understand something.

Making new friends

Sometimes it is hard to talk to adults about how you are feeling. That is why it is good to build friendships with other children on the ward. You will build up bonds with others going through the same things as you are, and probably having the same emotions and worries. They can be there to talk about the latest music or TV show but equally talk about shared experiences in your treatment.  

Your school friends

It is also good to get your school involved. You may be away from your school friends for a while so it would be great to remain in contact with them. Your school should be able to arrange for you to get in touch with them, whether that is emails or letters. It is great to hear what they are getting up to and in turn you can keep them updated on how you are.  

Your doctors and nurses

Lastly remember the doctors and nurses. Like your family, they would want to know if you have any questions about your treatment as worrying about things could have a negative impact on it. Don’t be afraid of making a nuisance of yourself – after all you are the one having treatment not anyone else, so they would want to make you as happy as possible. This blog was written by Darren, who is a childhood cancer survivor, after having Acute Myeloid Luekaemia when he was 11 in 1996. If you know a child who is going through childhood cancer treatment, let them know that Darren is willing to answer questions like this one. Contact us at stories@childrenwithcancer.org.uk so that we can put forward the questions to him.