My Child Has Been Diagnosed

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer, we know that this is a challenging time for you.

Stay Positive

The health care team at Miller Children’s encourages parents of newly diagnosed cancer patients to stay as positive as possible.

• Cure rates for most pediatric cancers have been steadily improving and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), now has a more than 80 percent cure rate.

Make an Appointment

If you haven’t done so already, or your child has not yet been admitted, seek care from a board-certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist, who specializes in pediatric cancer and serious blood disorders.

• Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach has excellent board-certified pediatric hematologist/oncologist, as well as a renowned children’s cancer program.

Gather Information

• Ask for maps or a pre-admission tour of the hospital
• Have members of the health care team explain the role they play in your child’s care
• Determine exactly where treatment will take place
• Start a folder for every paper or document, including education materials or specific instructions, involved with your child’s illness. Hang on to names and phone numbers in case you need to get in touch with someone who may be of help.
• Figure out any lodging/housing needs if you have to travel long distances, the Memorial Guest Residence is available for families. There are also many hotels near Miller Children’s.
• Review any written materials, research information, educational information, etc. provided by the health care team
• Research information about your child’s illness online
• Ask the health care team to describe how the "system" works and ask other parents, who may have gone through similar experiences, for tips.

Get Answers to Your Questions

It’s ok to ask your child’s hematologist/oncologist, the nurse educator and anyone else on your child’s care team questions. The health care team wants to partner with you in your child’s treatment.

• What type of cancer or blood disorder is it?
• What is the recommended treatment?
• What are the side effects from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments?
• What is the expected length of treatment?
• What is the long-term prognosis?
• What are names and phone numbers of support groups?

Help Us Make Your Child As Comfortable as Possible

• Make hospital rooms as homey as possible, decorations and photos are welcomed!
• Bring comfy clothes, slippers and pajamas for your child.
• Have activities on hand for time spent in the Infusion Center, their hospital bed or a clinic visit (such as coloring books, art projects, books, etc.)
• Ask for a Child Life Specialist to show your child how IV’s are put it, what chemotherapy treatment is, how to prepare for special procedures your child may go through in the Infusion Center, etc.
• Check your child for any rashes around his port, or any part of their body.
• Stay upbeat and keep yourself healthy. You can only take care of your child if you take care of yourself first.