Things that change with cancer

Most people are familiar with some of the side effects of cancer, such as hair loss and a loss of energy. However, almost everything changes for a family caught in the fight against cancer. St. Jude mother Catherine Greenslade shares some of the changes that occurred in her family during her daughter Emily’s battle with osteosarcoma (bone cancer).

• Having her port flushed was not a pleasant experience because she could "taste" the saline or heparin in her mouth, saying it tasted like dirty pennies. To combat this, she put cinnamon candies in her mouth. However, today she cannot stand to eat or smell anything cinnamon. (A port is inserted just below the skin in the chest of patients).
• The risk of infection is extremely dangerous, so our family doctor was made aware of Emily’s situation as soon as she was diagnosed. If any of us felt like we might be coming down with something, or if we were exposed to anything, we called our doctor right away. 
• Due to the ever present fear of dying, Emily hated having it quiet because she said she could “hear” the scary thoughts in her head. For a year we never had silence anywhere. The TV or radio was on at all times. It took about six checkups after her treatment was over for her to stop needing the noise.
• Our three college-age sons were rarely allowed to come home because of the risk of infection due to germs they might bring home. We talked on the phone a lot, but it wasn’t the same. Even though they understood and wanted what was best for Emily, it was hard for her siblings to cope with being shut out.
• Older patients, ones that are teenagers or young adults, understand exactly what is wrong with them. They know what the treatments will entail and the potential for dying. Depression is insidious. Older patients also sometimes feel the need to blame someone for their illness. In our case, it was my husband. He could do nothing right in Emily’s eyes, despite his best efforts. Thankfully, sometime after treatment was over, she apologized.

Family relations are very difficult with a child undergoing cancer treatment. Luckily for our families, St. Jude treats the entire family during this difficult time. The hospital provides social workers, psychiatrists and pastoral care to help families cope with stressful issues.