I’m so… terribly sad. My son’s friend, 14 years old, diagnosed with leukemia…
Why??? Such a young boy, beautiful, full of life… It’s so unfair. Instead of enjoying his summer vacation, he’s terrified in the hospital. Why did this happen to him?
I feel so sorry for his parents, what they have to go through now. He’s their only child.
I known, I’ve read that leukemia is treatable, that people recover, but I worry so much, just sitting and crying..He is just a young terrified boy : (
I do not know what kind of leukaemia it is, i only know that he is on steroids now.
What does the treatment of children looks like?What awaits him?How long will he be in hospital?What are teens chances for full recovery?Do they have child psychologists in the hospital?How can we as friends help?
I am sorry for writing so chaotic, but it hurt me do much and do not even have anyone to talk…
Dear @Agata - I’m so very sorry to hear about your son’s friend’s leukaemia diagnosis. I’ve no doubt that it comes as a huge shock to you all. It can be overwhelming particularly when you have so many questions and worries, but you’ve come to the right place and I hope that you son’s friend and family find the forum as well when and if they are ready.
It’s difficult to answer some of your questions without knowing the detail, but if you haven’t already seen it, Blood Cancer UK has a really helpful section for people who’ve just been diagnosed. It covers what to expect, what tests might be done, and how to get support:
I’ve just been told I have blood cancer – what you need to know.
It can also be hard to know how you can best provide support as friends. Everyone is different and processes a diagnosis in different ways - there is no right or wrong way. It is understandable that you want to help - the best thing you can do is to take the family’s lead. They may or may not want to talk at this point as they start to get their head around the diagnosis and things to come. Making them aware of Blood Cancer UK and the information and support available could be a good start.
Take care and best wishes to you all.
Maggie
Dear @Agata,
I am sorry to hear about your son’s friend. It is a very sad and overwhelming time especially when you have so many questions and worries. We do not underestimate how difficult this time must be for you. The support nurses would be very happy to talk this through with you, if this is something you might find helpful on 0808 2080 888
Treatment for childhood Leukaemia has improved significantly in the past few years. Whilst it is difficult to answer some of your questions directly, I have enclosed some information here which you may find helpful to read Childhood Leukaemia
Your sons friend will be allocated a Clinical Nurse Specialist and a Young Lives V Cancer support worker who will make sure he and his family get all the help and support he needs including psychological support Young Lives Verses Blood Cancer
They are very lucky to have such a caring and supportive friend like you. Ways that you can help as friends include offering practical support such as lifts to the hospital or taking around a cooked meal. Emotional support is also really important such as sending regular supportive messages to them. I have enclosed a link to our information on ways that you can help and support your friends which you might find helpful Supporting friends through treatment
We are all here to help and support you.
Take care
Fiona (support services nurse)
Hi @Agata.
I’m so sorry to hear about your son’s friend. I can imagine it’s come as a shock and we always ask those ‘why’ questions don’t we.
This is a great place - and a reliable place - to get information from so I’m glad you have found us.
How is your son coping with the news? It’s a lot to process x