Impact on Family

Upon diagnosis, the whole family is affected. Normal life ceases and family plans and routines are disrupted.

Parents may experience:

• Shock, disbelief, confusion, anger, guilt about the diagnosis
• Increased sense of protectiveness towards their children
• Feelings of being overwhelmed and of being unable to cope
• Added financial strain
• Fear and uncertainty
• Depression, loss of interest in family, friends and recreation
  

Siblings may experience:

• Bewilderment at the sudden changes in family life
• Initial disbelief that the sibling is seriously ill and only see the increased attention and gifts given to the child leading to jealousy and resentment
• Loneliness as they have been forgotten and overlooked
• Guilt that they may have done something that caused the illness
• Neglected and being uninformed about what is happening
• Fear of death