THE BIG C WORD … unfortunately, in this day and age, we all know what this euphemism means, and we all know someone who has been touched by cancer. But how much more devastating is the diagnosis when the patient is a child?
Today, childhood cancer treatment has advanced by leaps and bounds from what was available decades ago. Unfortunately, the reality is that not all children with cancer will become adults. Some will succumb to cancer. And like adults and older individuals, there comes a time when a decision is made to forgo aggressive therapy options. Families have the conversation and decide to make the end of life as meaningful and comfortable as possible for their kids by choosing hospice care.
What does hospice care look like for children? Hospice for children is very similar to the care adults receive. Children receive pain and symptom management, and families receive support and counseling to help them through the emotional journey. In addition, children receive counseling to help them cope with the final outcome caused by the cancer.
This column is sponsored by Good Shepherd Hospice.
CREDIT
column by DR. BRENDAN FLYNN
At Good Shepherd Hospice, every day is devoted to educating our patients and keeping them as comfortable as possible in the place they call home. We are dedicated to ensuring that patients and their families are able to make educated decisions about important healthcare matters. For more information, please call 1-800-544-3280 or visit us at chaptershealth.org/hospice.
BIO: Board certified in Family Practice, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Dr. Brendan Flynn received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He has been a staff physician with Good Shepherd Hospice, an affiliate of Chapters Health System, for more than six years.