Loss of control

Parents sometimes feel overwhelmed by the sudden loss of control after their child is
diagnosed with a tumor. This is especially true for parents who are used to having a
measure of power and authority in the workplace or the home.
My husband had a difficult time after our son was diagnosed. We have
a traditional marriage, and he was used to his role as provider and
protector for the family. It was hard for him to deal with the fact that he
couldn’t fix everything.
Parents can regain some control over the situation by learning about their child’s dis-
ease and its treatments. This knowledge can be used to advocate for their child. They
can also gain some control by becoming active participants in their child’s treatment.
They can ask the doctor what tests and appointments are negotiable. They can have a
say in what time clinic appointments are, which days to have tests done, what times
to give medications, and more. For further information, see Chapter 6, Forming a
Partnership with the Medical Team.