The people around you
When your child is ill, life revolves around their care, and everything feels different. People around you often want to show support and offer help. You may find it hard to accept or ask for help, but most people are happy to support you by doing something practical.
To keep friends and family informed, you might consider writing a blog or using social media. You can set your posts so they are visible only to the people you choose. You can also create a WhatsApp group where only you can post updates, and others cannot reply. If you are unsure how to deal with awkward comments from others, medical social work can help you think through possible responses.
Grandparents
Grandparents experience a double sorrow: for their grandchild and for their own child. The leaflet “My grandchild has cancer” is available from the Dutch Childhood Cancer Association (also available for download).