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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreIt is important for patients and families to have clear, open, and ongoing communication with their palliative care team. This helps everyone work together to make each day the best it can possibly be.
Early conversations should:
Families should regularly discuss these aims with their palliative care team. These things may change over time.
Palliative care gives children more power over their illness and control over how they live their daily lives. Talk to your child about their needs. These might be things like getting rid of the itch of a rash, finding ways to spend more time with friends, or managing pain.
Some children may think that pain and side effects are just part of treatment and that nothing can be done to help. Other children may be embarrassed to share their concerns. Still others may not want to upset family members.
Family caregivers play a key role in talking with the palliative care team. Families can keep a record of the child’s side effects and other concerns. They can share these notes with the palliative care team. If communication between parent and child is difficult at any point, the palliative care provider can help.
Explore this 8-module educational series for parents and caregivers to learn about pediatric palliative care.
Download the bookletsCaregivers and other family members have complex needs and emotions when a loved one is ill. The palliative care team can help families navigate the health care system, make care plans, and manage daily concerns.
The palliative care team communicates closely with the family and health care providers. They can help parents weigh the pros and cons of complex decisions. They can help make sure that decisions honor the family’s values and beliefs.
A good relationship with the palliative care team helps families to ask important questions. In pediatric cancer, a family’s questions might include:
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Reviewed: January 2024
Side effects are health problems that result from cancer treatments. Your care team will work with you to help manage your child’s side effects.
Pediatric palliative care is a special type of supportive care for children facing a serious illness. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Pain management is an important part of care for children with cancer or other illnesses. Learn ways to prevent and manage pain.