My Child has Cancer: The Costs of Mothers' Experiences of Having a Child with Pediatric Cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this exploratory research was to examine the lived experiences of female caregivers of children with cancer during diagnosis, treatment and the period thereafter. The specific purpose of this article was to examine the various costs associated with caring for a child with pediatric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews were completed with nine mothers of children who had been treated for pediatric cancer. RESULTS: From this process, a number of salient issues were identified; however, this article focuses solely on the costs of caring for a child with cancer. The subthemes derived from these findings include: (1) financial and work issues; (2) health of family; (3) upheaval of family life; and (4) a lost life. CONCLUSIONS: These findings exposed the realities of mothers faced with pediatric cancer, and reveal costs incurred by mothers caring for their ailing children, yielding information that can be used as a source of support for those faced with similar situations. Additionally, health care professionals are provided with insight into the costs associated with childhood cancer. This information can be used to help families cope more effectively with cancer and its negative effects.

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