This study examines the experiences of fathers of children diagnosed with cancer. In this grounded theory study, participating fathers were qualitatively interviewed using a theoretical sampling approach. Results indicate fathers to be profoundly affected by their child's condition of cancer. Fathers' experiences include isolation and heightened sadness and uncertainty. Paternal roles comprise providing family support, sufficient resources, and seeking to maintain family stabilization. Post-diagnosis lived experience is described to hold new meaning as fathers reconcile the presence of childhood cancer within the life of their child and family. Strategies of resistance are demonstrated as fathers combat the devastating impacts of cancer through a commitment to family integration, healthy personal lifestyle and attitudes, support seeking, spirituality, and reframing of priorities. An emerging model is presented, as are implications for practice and recommendations.
Diagnosis and treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) can be a highly stressful time for the entire family. While completion of treatment may bring relief to some families, it may also bring about additional anxieties and fear. The primary objective of this article is to present an analysis of the experiences, emotional states, and support needs of parents of pediatric cancer patients 2 months after treatment completion for ALL. Using a qualitative interpretive description approach, transcripts from interviews with 17 parents from the leukemia/lymphoma program of a large urban pediatric cancer center were analyzed using N-Vivo 10 data analysis software. Parents reported simultaneous feelings of relief and apprehension, changing relationships with their health care team and the experience of returning to a life following treatment. Results highlight the need for support for parents on completion of treatment.
For young people with cancer their process through adolescence is marked with disruption. The demands of treatment and resulting social isolation combined with issues of body image/self-esteem complicate this turbulent life cycle transition. The effects of'these disruptions require psychosocial staff to utilize creative approaches to treatment. The framework of the Teen Outreach Program (TOP) is to connect teens with leukemia/lymphoma to one another, and to reconnect them back with their peers by engaging them in "normal" events. The overwhelming response highlights the positive effect on teenagers' psychosocial health, thereby solidifying the importance of providing innovative therapeutic interventions for this under-serviced population. Further studies of the long-term impact of the program's success are warranted.
Photovoice is uniquely positioned among other psychosocial interventions to help address the needs of teenagers on their cancer journey. Despite this, few researchers have examined the efficacy of photovoice as a psychosocial intervention for teenagers who are currently on active treatment.
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