Contact is now 20 pages full of interesting features, thoughts, ideas and information for all those affected by childhood cancer. Our first issue covers the theme of ‘Choices’. Our lives are made up of an infinite amount of choices that we make every day. Making a choice with confidence based on the options we have at the time is the only sensible thing we can do and sometimes there is no right or wrong, just different. In this issue, we look at the choices faced by families and professionals while caring for and treating a child with cancer.
Articles from this issue
A digital adventure exploring one child’s cancer journey
Theatremaker Toby Peach tells us about his new project in collaboration with Carmen, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour aged 7.
Ask the expert: How can I help my child to eat well during treatment?
Eating well during treatment is really important as a well-nourished child is able to cope better with their treatment and fight infection. It will also help their body repair healthy body tissues that have been damaged by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. By Louise Henry, Paediatrics Senior Specialist Dietitian at Royal Marsden
Clinical choices: The clear and not so clear
Dr Bob Phillips describes how decisions are made in children’s cancer care, and how it can feel when the choices aren’t so obvious.
One family’s choices throughout the treatment journey...
Emily Zobel Marshall describes some of the choices her family made after her daughter, Rose, was diagnosed with leukaemia in March 2018
A spotlight on: CCLG Special Named Funds
CCLG’s trailblazing and innovative Special Named Funds (SNFs) programme provides a positive platform for families, friends and communities to raise funds in the name of a child affected by cancer. Carly tells us more.
60 seconds with Dan Saunders
Consultant Clinical Oncologist and CCLG Trustee talks to us about his career and interests
"Now, unlike before, I control my future, not my cancer”
Josh Hill was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in September 2004. Now 21, he tells us how he chooses to allow his experiences to drive what he does, rather than control him.
Decision making in rhabdomyosarcoma
Our supporters help us to continue our important research through fundraising and donations, with many of our research projects supported by our Special Named Funds.
Red or green socks? Even the smallest choices can matter to children with cancer
Sarah Turner and J’nae Christopher are assistant psychologists within Health in Mind at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. They explain that for a child going through treatment, to be given choice and control over even seemingly small things, can be of real value.
"We decided to take something positive from this horrendous situation”
Karen and Andrew Phillips were inspired to establish their own charity after their son Harry was helped through his treatment for leukaemia by a special aid. Here, Karen tells us more.
A parent’s view... Shielding
Shielding...a term unknown until March 2020! Tash Larcombe, whose nine-year-old son, Finley, has leukaemia, writes on what shielding has been like for her and her family.
Standing back’ became an irrelevance
Alexander Clarke was diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma aged 19, meaning he was old enough to make his own treatment choices. His mum Denise describes how he helped lessen their worries by involving them throughout, even when there were no further treatment options left for him.
An overview of the decision-making process
Dr Vikki Langford, Clinical Psychologist at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, explains some of the factors involved in making decisions and offers advice and guidance on the process.
Medical adviser (Issue 90)
When I agreed to write this column in this edition of Contact, themed on ‘Choices’, I thought it would be easy. But it wasn’t – just like the choices that families have to make.
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