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| Emotional Stress |
How does finding out that a child has leukemia bring stress to the family and friends? There are two main types of stress that can affect the family and friends. One of these types is emotional stress. As the patient transitions through the cancer diagnosis, the family experiences sadness and emotional stress based on how well the patient responds to treatment (Edens). The family and friends often struggle with taking care of the young patient, therefore causing them to stress emotionally. The other main type of stress is financial stress. Figuring out how to pay for all the leukemia treatments and hospital bills can become stressful for the family and friends. Kristie is not able to work because she has to be with Lauren. I'm sure they have less income but a lot of times at work we try to do fundraisers to help them (Ivey). High insurance deductibles and co-pays create financial stress for the family (Edens).
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| Connie Thompson and Jessica Ivey |
How does fear and shock affect the friends and family? Just the word cancer makes you very scared (Thompson). When a family member receives a diagnosis of cancer, the first feeling is shock that often leads to fear (Edens). The family and friends will be affected by the shock of the child being diagnosed with leukemia because their initial thoughts usually are "Why did this happen to me?" The family and friends can become fearful that they are going to lose the child. We can't be there to support the family; we can only be there through text or CaringBridge (Ivey).
How does finding out that a child has leukemia bring relationship changes for the family and friends? The effects of cancer on relationships with friends and family members vary widely, largely dependent on the closeness of each relationship ("Family Life"). When a tragedy like this strikes family and friends, it can either bring them closer together or pull them apart. I think it depends on how strong the family is to begin with (Ivey). Lauren's family has been brought closer together from this experience because they know they need each other now more than ever. "I think it has brought their family closer together. I think it makes us all love our families more and tell them everyday how much they mean to us because you never know when it will be your last (Thompson)." Although some friends and family members may distance themselves from you, others will surprise you with emotional and physical support throughout the illness ("Family Life").
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| Connie Thompson and Jessica Ivey |
How do the friends and family experience increased responsibilities when a child is diagnosed with leukemia? The responsibility increase for the friends and family can be physically and emotionally draining. As the sick child starts the invasive and often debilitating treatment, the family and friends are plunged into a new reality of immediately needing to be responsible for things that they never have been in the past ("Coping & Support Emotional Effects of Cancer Family/Friends & Their Emotions"). Some increased responsibilities the family and friends will face are:
- Finances (household and treatment costs)
- Caring for other siblings
- Supporting each other and the child with leukemia
- Keeping up a job
- Hosting fundraisers/benefits to help with finances
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| Walk/Run Fundraiser for Lauren |
Does anything positive come from having a child with leukemia? Most family and friends don't look at the positives that come from this experience. I believe this is because there are more negatives compared to the few positives. If the family and friends are optimistic, they can find the positives. "I think there are a lot of positives. I think it's brought a lot of people together and it's also made Kristie and Ritchie realize how many people love and support them (Thompson)."
Works Cited
Thompson, Connie. Personal interview. 21 Apr.
2013.
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