Just Diagnosed The first thing to say is that it will fit together, it will settle down. Things that can be very scary now will be easier as you learn that you can get through them.

So who are all these people?
How does it fit together?
Where will I be going?
What will the treatment be like?
Is there a local support group I can contact?
Will the doctors mind if I get involved?
How assertive should I be?
What about the other kids, what about work?
What about simply paying for the car park........

They talk about the Cancer Journey and that is how it can seem to be. It's a team thing, and the patient and the family is at the centre of the team.

Trust the professionals - but trust yourself too.

You know your (or your child's) body best, and you have the closest focus on their condition as treatment progresses.

Be assertive: if something doesn't seem right, say so. It may be something that the medics take for granted, or it maybe something they need to know about and that you are the best person to see.

You don't need to be strident, but you owe it to yourself and your child to be firm.

Useful Hints BasicStuff Support Groups Wish I'd Known That Care Team