My child has finished cancer treatment – Now what?
Published on the 12 April 2016
For many parents, the end of their child’s cancer treatment can be a difficult adjustment.
It is very normal for parents to experience mixed emotions – from relief and joy, to grief and anxiety. These more ‘negative’ reactions may be unexpected, and some parents may find that they have troubles returning to their ‘normal’ pre-cancer lives.
Cascade connects parents from across Australia
Here at The Behavioural Sciences Unit we recognise that parents need support after their child’s treatment has finished. The saying “you need to put your own oxygen mask on before you can help others around you” is a useful way to think about this period of time. Some parents may benefit from a supportive, safe space and permission to process the experience to help them create a ‘new normal’.
Often, the best support comes from those who have been on a similar journey. We believe in the power of connecting parents during this time, as other parents can relate to the challenges of having a child go through cancer treatment.
Cascade uses web-conferencing software, similar to Skype™
Cascade provides parents with a platform to share their experiences.
With these ideas in mind, we developed the ‘Cascade’ program – a group-based online four-week support program for parents whose child has recently finished cancer treatment. If you are interested, you can find out more about the program here.
Brittany McGill is a Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at the BSU. She is a facilitator for the Cascade program.
E: b.mcgill@unsw.edu.au
M: 0437 791 421 P: (02) 9382 3117