One of the many terrible things about fighting pediatric cancer—spending days (and nights) in the hospital. While this is an experience no parent wants to have, we want you to know that you will not be doing it alone. While there may be many unplanned hospital admissions during your cancer journey, there will likely be some planned hospital stays as well. Either way, there are ways you can prepare ahead of time to make your time in the hospital a little more comfortable. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself, your child and your family for an extended hospital stay.
1. You are allowed to feel however you feel
Going back to the hospital after your child was diagnosed with cancer, even if it’s not the first time, can stir up all sorts of emotions. It’s important to understand that you are allowed to feel however this horribly familiar environment makes you feel. It can be helpful to share your thoughts and emotions with your spouse, trusted friend or family member, or a licensed therapist in preparation for your hospital stay. No matter what your emotions may try to convince you of, remember that you are not alone in this fight.
2. Prepare your child for their hospital stay
There are many reasons for a planned hospital admission for your kiddo. While every child is different, it may be helpful to try to prepare your little fighter for what they will be experiencing at the hospital by explaining it on an age-appropriate level. Here are some helpful resources:
“When You’re Sick or in the Hospital” by Tom McGrath
“A Visit to the Hospital” by Sesame Street
“The Perfect Hat” by Kate Gaynor
“Chemo, Craziness and Comfort: My Story About Childhood Cancer” by Nancy Keene
Your Child Life Specialist or Social Worker at your hospital may also have some resources and helpful tips for preparing your kiddo for their upcoming hospital stay. Remember, you know your child better than anyone, so don’t be afraid to trust your instincts as you help prepare them for their stay.
3. Pack a bag (or maybe a few bags)
Whether this is your first planned hospital admission or if you have a few under your belt, making a list of essential hospital items can help ease your mind as you prepare to head to the hospital. Think about what you, your spouse, and your kiddo will each need in the hospital as well as any comfort items you want to bring along. Avoid bringing any expensive items so that you don’t have to think about leaving valuable things unattended in your hospital room—one less thing to worry about. Here is a loose list to get you started:
- Toiletries for you and your kiddo (remember that some children’s hospitals don’t stock adult personal care items)
- Chargers for your devices
- Clothes for you and your kiddo for all the days you are planning to be in the hospital
- Medications for you and your kiddo (it can be easy to forget about your own medications in the midst of preparing for your child)
- Snacks for your kiddo and for you!
- Card games or other entertainment items for your kiddo
- A journal to help you express your thoughts and write down any information from your child’s care team
For unplanned hospital trips, it is helpful to have a bag packed by the door or in your car, ready to go at any moment. Here at Roc Solid, we provide Ready Bags to families in the hospital when their kiddo is first diagnosed that are full of hospital essential items. If you did not receive a Ready Bag, fill out this form and we are happy to provide one to you. Many families choose to keep their Ready Bag packed and ready to go with everything they need for a hospital stay. Choose a bag that works best for you and make sure it stays stocked with all the essentials for an unexpected overnight hospital stay.
4. Prepare your home before you leave
If you have other children that will not be coming along for your hospital admission, pets or other household needs, consider what needs to be prepared before you leave. This is a great opportunity to delegate tasks to people in your community who have been asking what they can do to help. Maybe that means calling trusted friends or family members to see who is able to care for your other kiddos while you are away. Make sure you have a plan for things like getting your kids to and from school or sports events, caring for your pet, taking your trash cans out, cutting your grass, or organizing a meal train for your family when you return from the hospital. If you are confident that things are taken care of at home, you’ll have one less thing to worry about while you are at the hospital.
5. Make an entertainment plan
We know that having planned admissions for treatment can be incredibly boring for you and your kiddo. Even more complicated hospital stays for surgeries or other procedures can include a lot of down time. Consider preparing some ways to entertain yourself and you kiddo and create family time even when you are in the hospital. Here are some ideas:
- Books: Bring along some favorite books or new ones to read together.
- Coloring and activity books… don’t forget crayons or washable markers.
- Gel window clings can stick to your hospital room windows, walls and tables without causing any damage
- Craft Supplies: Simple crafts like paper crafts, coloring, or sticker activities can be engaging.
- Interactive Games: Simple games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” can help pass the time.
- Card games like a normal deck of playing cards, Uno, Phase 10, etc. (depending on your kid’s age) can be a great way to play together in the hospital.
- Tablet or Smartphone: Download age-appropriate apps, games, or movies to keep your child entertained.
- Music and audio books or stories: Listening to music or stories can be soothing and entertaining.
- Comfort Items: Bring along your child’s favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or pillow for comfort and familiarity in an unfamiliar environment
6. Lean on your community
We know, easier said than done. The truth is that your kiddo is looking to you for how to feel and prepare for their upcoming hospital stay. It is important that you lean on your community for support so that you can be ready to support your kiddo—your comfort is irreplaceable to them. Do your best to allow those around you to help you mentally, emotionally and practically. Allow people to come visit you at the hospital or deliver food if it’s helpful to you, but also know that it is ok to tell your community you’d rather not have visitors if the thought overwhelms you. People want to help, but they may not know what is actually helpful… They just need a little guidance. No matter what that support looks like for you and your family, don’t be afraid to communicate that.
Also remember that your Child Life team is there for you! Don’t be afraid to ask questions—they are full of tips, tricks and resources for you and your kiddo. Make sure you lean on your hospital team for support.
You’ve got this!
While this is a topic no one ever hopes to know about, we will be there to guide you through. While we are so sorry for what you are experiencing, we know that there is no one out there tougher than a family fighting pediatric cancer. We are thinking of you and your kiddo and cheering you on and you prepare for your hospital admission.
